The Dallas Mavericks are riding a wave of momentum, but their injury report heading into Thursday’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers is starting to look like a full-blown medical chart. While fans were anticipating Kyrie Irving’s regular-season return, they’ll have to wait a bit longer-Irving remains sidelined. And now, Klay Thompson’s status is up in the air as well.
Thompson is listed as questionable with left knee soreness, casting doubt on his availability for the game in Philly. That puts him alongside Dereck Lively II and Dante Exum, who have already been ruled out.
The Mavericks are navigating a rough stretch of health at a crucial point in their schedule. On the bright side, All-Star Anthony Davis is listed as probable, offering some hope for Dallas to maintain its recent rhythm.
The Mavs are coming off a gutsy 116-114 overtime win over the Detroit Pistons-a game that showcased both their resilience and their rising young talent. It was a bounce-back performance after a high-scoring OT loss to the Utah Jazz earlier in the week, and it showed how this team is learning to manage the chaos of late-game basketball.
Rookie Cooper Flagg continues to turn heads, and Thursday night was another statement outing. Flagg dropped 23 points, grabbed 10 boards, dished out four assists, and added three blocks in a performance that had his teammates raving. Naji Marshall summed it up best: “Coop is really amazing at basketball… He’s a dog on both ends of the floor… Pledge allegiance to the Flagg.”
Marshall chipped in with 16 points of his own, while Brandon Williams added 14 off the bench, giving the Mavericks a much-needed boost in depth scoring. In total, six Mavericks scored in double figures-a testament to the team’s balance and ability to share the load with key players out.
Dallas has now won six of its last eight games, and despite the injury setbacks, they’re finding ways to compete and close out tight contests. As they prepare to face a tough 76ers squad, all eyes will be on Thompson’s status and whether the Mavericks can keep their momentum rolling with a shorthanded roster.