The Dallas Mavericks are gearing up to face the Cleveland Cavaliers, but they'll be missing several key players for this matchup. In their recent outing against the Memphis Grizzlies, Klay Thompson was given a night off to rest. It was a sensible move, considering he logged heavy minutes in their prior game against the Atlanta Hawks.
As the Mavericks tackle the second game of a back-to-back, Daniel Gafford will also sit out for rest. He was a force against the Grizzlies, racking up 22 points and 14 rebounds. Meanwhile, PJ Washington is doubtful with left ankle soreness, and Naji Marshall is questionable due to left foot soreness.
The team has been plagued by injuries all season. Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II have been sidelined for most of the year.
Irving, recovering from an ACL injury, hasn't suited up at all. Anthony Davis, who was with the team earlier, played only 20 games before injuries sidelined him, and he hasn't yet debuted for the Washington Wizards.
Cooper Flagg, who had a foot injury before the All-Star break, has managed a return and is contributing in recent games.
For Mavericks fans, it's been a season of "what ifs," as injuries have consistently kept the team from showing its full potential. Despite the setbacks, the Mavericks' win against the Grizzlies suggests they're not just coasting through the season. They're still fighting, even as they navigate these challenging circumstances.