The Dallas Mavericks head into Monday night’s road clash with the New Orleans Pelicans with more questions than answers - and most of them revolve around player availability. It’s been that kind of season for Dallas. Between a demanding schedule and a roster riddled with injuries and illnesses, the margin for error is razor thin for a team sitting at 11-18 and trying to stay within striking distance in the Western Conference.
Let’s break down where things stand for the Mavs as they begin the second game of a six-game stretch - five of which are on the road - and why every rotation piece, no matter how big or small, suddenly matters a whole lot more.
Cooper Flagg Playing Through the Pain
Cooper Flagg’s status is front and center. The rookie is listed as questionable with a back contusion after gutting it out in Saturday’s 121-114 loss to the 76ers.
Flagg didn’t just play - he delivered. The 18-year-old dropped 24 points, grabbed four boards, and dished out three assists, all while managing discomfort that required postgame icing.
Flagg’s recent form has been a bright spot for Dallas. Over his last 10 games, he’s averaging 24.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists - numbers that speak to a player quickly finding his rhythm and asserting himself in the league. His presence on the floor has become a stabilizing force for a team that desperately needs one.
As for his birthday plans? Flagg made it clear: no celebrations, just recovery.
“We’re flying out to New Orleans - just resting up, getting my body right and getting ready for another one,” he said. That’s the mindset of a young player already locked in on the grind.
Klay Thompson Managing Knee Soreness
Veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson is also questionable for Monday with lingering soreness in his left knee - an issue he’s been managing throughout this road trip. He didn’t go through shootaround at the start of the trip, but still suited up against the Sixers, logging 18 minutes and scoring 10 points on 4-of-11 shooting (1-of-7 from deep).
Thompson’s numbers this season - 10.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game - aren’t what they once were, but his floor spacing and veteran presence still hold value in a Mavericks rotation that’s constantly being reshuffled. His availability will be a game-time decision, hinging on how that knee responds to treatment and travel.
Max Christie Battling Illness
Add Max Christie to the list of question marks. The guard is dealing with an illness after logging 14 minutes in Saturday’s game, where he went scoreless on two shot attempts but contributed a steal. Christie’s been a steady contributor when healthy, averaging 11.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists across 29 appearances this season.
His ability to suit up in New Orleans will be determined closer to tip, but if he’s unable to go, it’s another hit to Dallas’ perimeter depth - an area already stretched thin.
Kyrie Irving Still Out, But Progressing
Kyrie Irving remains sidelined following left knee surgery, but there’s at least a little movement on that front. He traveled with the team to Philadelphia and was seen getting some work in after the open portion of shootaround. While there’s no official timeline for his return, the fact that he’s with the team and staying active is a positive sign.
Dallas continues to feel his absence, especially in late-game scenarios where his shot creation and leadership are sorely missed.
Frontcourt Depth Takes a Hit
The Mavericks are also without Dereck Lively II and Danté Exum for the remainder of the season following foot and knee surgeries, respectively. That’s a major blow to both the frontcourt and backcourt rotations.
Lively had been carving out a key role as a rim protector and rebounder, while Exum’s versatility and defense gave Dallas options in the backcourt. Without them, the Mavs are forced to lean heavier on younger, less experienced players - and that’s a tough ask over a long road trip.
Two-Way Players: Miles Kelly and Moussa Cissé
Dallas may need to dip into its two-way pool again, but even that’s complicated. Both Miles Kelly and Moussa Cissé are listed as questionable due to their G League status.
Kelly just played Sunday in the G League Winter Showcase, where he led the Texas Legends with 25 points and hit five triples in a loss to the Delaware Blue Coats. That performance shows he’s in rhythm, but it also raises questions about his availability for Monday due to logistics and two-way activation rules.
Cissé’s status is also up in the air, depending on how the Mavericks choose to structure their roster for the night.
Bottom Line: The Mavericks are in survival mode. With a tough road trip underway and a roster that’s far from full strength, every player’s availability becomes a storyline.
Flagg’s emergence has been a silver lining, but Dallas needs more than flashes of brilliance - they need bodies, consistency, and a little bit of luck on the health front if they want to climb back into the playoff conversation. Monday night in New Orleans is another test.
The question is: who will be available to take it?