The Dallas Mavericks are gearing up for a rematch against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but they might be without veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson. Thompson is listed as doubtful due to rest, joining a growing list of Mavericks dealing with injuries.
This comes on the heels of a tough 138-105 loss to the Cavs, where rookie sensation Cooper Flagg made headlines despite the defeat. Flagg notched his 25th game with 20+ points, surpassing the legendary Kobe Bryant for the most such performances by a teenager.
Thompson had a challenging outing against Cleveland, scoring just six points on 3-for-11 shooting. This was a drop from his 21-point effort against the Atlanta Hawks. Over the season, Thompson is averaging 11.8 points with shooting splits of 39.2% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc, along with 2.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game.
The injury report for the Mavericks is quite extensive. Center Daniel Gafford is doubtful due to illness, while Caleb Martin is listed as probable with a sprained left finger.
The team will also be without Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II, both recovering from surgeries. PJ Washington and Jarrett Allen are out with respective injuries, adding to the Mavericks' woes.
On the flip side, the Cavaliers, led by All-Star Donovan Mitchell, are looking to build momentum. They aim for back-to-back wins for the first time since their impressive seven-game streak in February. Meanwhile, the Mavericks have struggled, losing nine of their last ten games.
Here's a quick glance at the injury list:
- Daniel Gafford: Doubtful - Illness
- Kyrie Irving: Out - Left knee surgery
- Dereck Lively II: Out - Right foot surgery
- Caleb Martin: Probable - Left finger sprain
- Klay Thompson: Doubtful - Rest
- PJ Washington: Out - Left ankle soreness
- Jarrett Allen: Out - Right knee tendonitis
- Keon Ellis: Available - Left index finger fracture
- James Harden: Available - Right thumb fracture
- Sam Merrill: Out - Left hamstring tightness
- **Craig Porter Jr. **: Out - Left groin strain
- Tyrese Proctor: Right quad strain
- Max Strus: Probable - Left foot surgery (Jones fracture)
- Jaylon Tyson: Questionable - Left ankle soreness
The Mavericks face a tough challenge on the road, as they aim to bounce back and overcome their recent struggles. With key players potentially sidelined, it will be up to the rest of the squad to step up and deliver against a Cavs team eager to capitalize on their momentum.