The Dallas Mavericks are heading into Tuesday night’s showdown with the Boston Celtics missing two more key pieces from an already thinned-out backcourt. D’Angelo Russell and Brandon Williams have both been ruled out, further tightening the rotation for a team already battling through a tough stretch of injuries and inconsistency.
Russell Out with Illness, Williams Sidelined After Impactful Stretch
Russell, who was downgraded earlier in the day, will miss the game due to illness. He wasn't present at the team’s morning shootaround, which was the first sign he might not be available.
While his numbers this season haven’t jumped off the page - 10.2 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.3 rebounds in just under 20 minutes per game - his absence still takes away a veteran presence in the backcourt. He’s shooting 40.5% from the field and just under 30% from deep, and while the efficiency hasn’t been there, the experience and floor-spacing potential matter on a team that’s scrambling to find offensive rhythm.
But it’s Brandon Williams’ absence that may be felt more immediately and more sharply. Williams left Saturday’s loss to Houston in the second quarter after a collision and didn’t return, cutting short what had been one of his most dynamic performances of the season. He poured in the final 10 points of the first quarter, injecting life into the Mavericks’ offense with his pace and rim pressure - something this team has leaned on heavily with so many ball-handlers sidelined.
Rookie Cooper Flagg didn’t mince words when talking about the void Williams leaves behind.
“B Will is a spark plug,” Flagg said. “That’s what he’s been all year for us.
He comes in, brings energy, helps get our pace going. His speed, getting downhill, making plays for others - just his energy all around is something we missed, especially there in the middle of the third quarter.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by big man Daniel Gafford, who pointed to Williams’ early aggression as a tone-setter.
“He was attacking the basket, getting downhill, facilitating the offense, and knocking down shots,” Gafford said. “He’s one of those guys who can get frustrated if shots aren’t falling, but tonight he was ready for those moments. It just sucks to see how he went down.”
Williams has quietly become a key cog in the Mavericks’ rotation. Through 43 games, he’s averaging 12.6 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in 21.9 minutes per game, shooting 46.2% from the field with a 55.3% true shooting percentage. His ability to push the pace and put pressure on defenses off the dribble has been critical for a team that’s often struggled to generate consistent offense, especially in transition.
Russell's Role Remains Uncertain Amidst Ongoing Questions
Russell’s status continues to be one of the more fluid situations on the roster. He’s played just once in 2026 - an 18-minute stint in a Jan. 10 loss to Chicago, a game that also saw head coach Jason Kidd ejected in the first quarter. Russell managed eight points and four assists that night, but hasn’t logged 20 or more minutes since mid-November.
While the numbers don’t suggest a major on-court impact this season, Russell’s situation remains one to monitor as the Mavericks navigate the trade landscape. His contract includes a $6 million player option for next season, and there’s reason to believe Dallas would prefer to move that off the books if the opportunity presents itself.
Mavs’ Injury List Grows Longer Ahead of Celtics Matchup
With Russell and Williams both out, the Mavericks will be without a total of seven players against the Celtics. That includes Anthony Davis (left finger sprain), Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery), Danté Exum (right knee surgery), and P.J. Washington, who remains in concussion protocol.
Dallas enters the matchup riding a four-game losing streak, but with 33 games remaining, the team is still very much in the hunt for a play-in spot. The challenge now is staying afloat while missing several rotation players - and doing it against one of the league’s top teams.
Tipoff against Boston is set for 7 p.m. at American Airlines Center.