Mavs’ Rotation Faces More Uncertainty as D’Angelo Russell Downgraded Ahead of Celtics Matchup
The Dallas Mavericks’ already depleted rotation may be stretched even thinner Tuesday night. D’Angelo Russell, who’s had a stop-and-start season, was downgraded to questionable due to illness ahead of a marquee home matchup against the Boston Celtics at American Airlines Center. Russell missed the team’s morning shootaround, a notable absence for a roster that's spent most of the season juggling injuries and lineup reshuffles.
Russell’s availability has been inconsistent all year, and this latest development adds another wrinkle for a Mavericks squad that’s struggled to maintain continuity. Through 26 appearances, the veteran guard is averaging 10.2 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.3 rebounds in 19 minutes per game. His shooting splits-40.5% from the field and just 29.5% from beyond the arc-reflect a player still searching for rhythm in a system that hasn’t offered much stability.
Russell’s Role Shrinking in Dallas
When the Mavericks brought Russell in, the idea was simple: provide a steady hand at point guard while Kyrie Irving recovered from ACL surgery. But that plan never fully materialized. Since the front office shakeup that saw former GM Nico Harrison depart, Russell’s role has only diminished further.
He’s played just once in 2026-logging 18 minutes during a Jan. 10 loss in Chicago, a game that saw head coach Jason Kidd ejected in the first quarter. Russell finished with eight points, four assists, and two boards, but it was more of a cameo than a comeback.
You’d have to go back to Nov. 19 against the Knicks to find his last 20-minute outing, when he dropped 23 points in 24 minutes. Since then, it’s been a steady slide toward the fringes of the rotation. December and January were littered with DNPs and inactive listings, as the Mavericks leaned into youth and adjusted to a seemingly never-ending injury list.
In total, Russell has made just three starts this season. Dallas is 9-17 in games he’s appeared in-a stat that mirrors his declining usage and the team’s shifting priorities.
“We’re looking at going young with the group that we have,” Kidd said back on Jan. 28.
“D-Lo’s done everything, he’s a pro. He’s continuing to keep working on his game, and when his name is called, he’ll be ready.”
That’s a coach’s way of saying: don’t expect to see much of him unless something changes.
Trade Winds Swirl Around Russell
With the trade deadline looming, Russell’s name continues to surface in league chatter. Sources indicate he remains one of the Mavericks’ more likely trade candidates-though interest around the league is described as limited.
Still, there’s a financial incentive for Dallas to make a move. Russell holds a $6 million player option for the 2026-27 season, and the Mavericks would prefer to clear that money off the books as they look to build around their young core and maintain roster flexibility.
One league source put it bluntly: “If [Russell] hit the market this summer, he is probably looking at closer to a minimum than tax MLE. Taking on that money will surely require compensating a team to do it.”
Translation: Dallas might have to attach a sweetener to move him, but they seem motivated to explore that route.
Mavs Enter Shorthanded Battle with Boston
Russell’s uncertain status adds to an already brutal injury report for Dallas. The team will once again be without Anthony Davis (left finger sprain), Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery), and Danté Exum (right knee surgery).
P.J. Washington remains in concussion protocol, and Brandon Williams is questionable with a right lower leg contusion.
That leaves the Mavericks leaning heavily-again-on rookie sensation Cooper Flagg. The 18-year-old has been electric, coming off a two-game stretch that included a 49-point explosion against Charlotte and a 34-point effort in Houston. With so many key veterans sidelined, Flagg has become the focal point of the offense and a bright spot in an otherwise turbulent stretch.
Boston, meanwhile, comes into Dallas riding a wave of momentum. The Celtics are 31-18, tied for second in the Eastern Conference, and have adapted well despite missing Jayson Tatum for stretches. Jaylen Brown has stepped up as a primary scorer, and the supporting cast has delivered on both ends of the floor.
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at American Airlines Center. Russell’s final status will be determined closer to game time, but whether he suits up or not, the Mavericks will once again be counting on their young guns to carry the load against one of the league’s toughest lineups.