The Dallas Mavericks are heading into Saturday’s matchup against the Utah Jazz severely shorthanded, with eight players officially ruled out. The team confirmed that Dante Exum, Dereck Lively II, Kyrie Irving, and Anthony Davis will all remain sidelined - and they’re now joined by Cooper Flagg (left ankle sprain), Daniel Gafford (right ankle sprain), D’Angelo Russell (illness), and P.J. Washington (personal reasons).
Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s draft, will miss his second straight game. For a young player trying to build consistency and rhythm in his rookie season, this kind of interruption is never ideal. But the Mavericks are clearly being cautious with their franchise cornerstone, especially given the long-term stakes.
The absences of Washington and Russell came with a little less warning. Washington had been listed as probable with what the team labeled “right ankle injury management,” but was ultimately ruled out. Russell, meanwhile, was a late scratch due to illness.
That leaves Dallas without a significant chunk of its rotation - and a lot of creativity and defensive presence - as they face a Jazz team that’s been playing with renewed energy. While the Mavericks have leaned heavily on depth and adaptability all season, this is a serious test of just how deep their bench can go.
Around the League: More Injury Updates
In Portland, the Trail Blazers will once again be without forward Deni Avdija, who’s set to miss his third straight game due to a lower back strain. The injury, which occurred on January 11, has kept him out longer than initially hoped. He was listed as doubtful heading into Saturday’s game against the Lakers and won’t suit up.
There’s better news for Portland fans on two other fronts - both Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday are expected to play after being listed as questionable. If both are cleared, it’ll give the Blazers a much-needed boost on both ends of the floor.
Meanwhile, in Minnesota, the Timberwolves are getting a key piece back: star guard Anthony Edwards is set to return after sitting out two games with right foot injury management. His explosiveness and shot-making have been sorely missed, and his return should immediately stabilize the Wolves’ offensive rhythm.
Rudy Gobert, however, remains questionable for Saturday’s game in San Antonio. He’s dealing with a left hip contusion.
While Gobert was reportedly moving fairly well after Friday’s game in Houston, the quick turnaround could make the team lean cautious. Gobert’s defensive presence is always a difference-maker, especially against a Spurs team that thrives on ball movement and interior play.
And in Brooklyn, the Nets will be without Michael Porter Jr. (rest) and rookie Drake Powell (left knee injury management) for Sunday’s game in Chicago. It’s the front end of a back-to-back for the Nets, who host the Suns on Monday, and the team appears to be managing workloads carefully. Porter was similarly rested last weekend, so this isn’t entirely out of the ordinary - but it does mean Brooklyn will need to dig a little deeper into its rotation to handle the Bulls.
As the season grinds deeper into January, teams are walking a tightrope between staying competitive and managing health. With playoff positioning starting to take shape, every decision - from who suits up to who sits - carries weight.