With tipoff looming between the Dallas Mavericks (19-27) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (28-19) at American Airlines Center on Wednesday night, both teams are navigating a handful of injury concerns that could shape the flow-and possibly the outcome-of this Western Conference matchup.
Let’s start with the Timberwolves, who come in riding the momentum of a top-four offense and a roster that’s finding its rhythm. But they’ll be monitoring two key players heading into the contest.
Anthony Edwards, their offensive engine and one of the league’s most dynamic scorers, is listed as questionable due to injury management. Terrence Shannon is also day-to-day with a foot issue.
If Edwards suits up, Minnesota will lean heavily on his scoring punch. Over the last 20 games, he’s averaging 26.3 points while knocking down over three triples a night. That outside shooting, paired with his ability to get downhill, keeps defenses honest and opens up space for the rest of the Wolves’ attack.
Julius Randle continues to be a steady force, averaging 21.2 points and nearly seven boards per game. His physicality in the paint and mid-range touch give Minnesota a reliable second option.
Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert is doing what he does best-controlling the glass and anchoring the paint. His 11.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game provide the backbone for a defense that ranks 11th in points allowed.
Donte DiVincenzo has emerged as a key two-way contributor, averaging 12.8 points, 4.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while hitting 3.3 threes per night-good for top 10 in the NBA. His ability to stretch the floor and disrupt passing lanes has been a quiet difference-maker. Naz Reid is also giving Minnesota quality minutes off the bench, adding 14.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
As a team, the Timberwolves are outscoring opponents by nearly five points per game, thanks to a balanced approach on both ends. They rank fourth in scoring (119.0 points per game) and are winning the rebounding battle by nearly two boards per contest. Their +218 scoring differential is a testament to their consistency on both sides of the ball.
Now, let’s talk about the Mavericks. Dallas is dealing with a much heavier injury load, with five players currently on the report-including key names like Kyrie Irving (knee) and Anthony Davis (hand), both sidelined. Dereck Lively II and Dante Exum are out for the season, and rookie standout Cooper Flagg is questionable due to injury management.
Flagg has been one of the few bright spots in a challenging stretch for Dallas. Over the last 20 games, he’s averaged 18.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists-a well-rounded stat line that reflects his growing impact. He’s also grabbing 6.4 rebounds per game on the season, leading the team and ranking 47th league-wide.
Naji Marshall has quietly stepped up as a secondary scorer, putting up 17.2 points and five boards per game. Max Christie and Brandon Williams are giving the Mavericks solid contributions in limited roles, but the lack of star power has been noticeable. Anthony Davis, before his hand injury, was averaging just 9.4 points in his appearances-far below his usual production.
As a team, Dallas is being outscored by 2.2 points per game, with a -104 scoring differential. They’re putting up 114.3 points per contest (22nd in the NBA), but giving up 116.5 (20th). The Mavericks are also losing the battle on the boards, pulling down 44.9 rebounds per game while allowing 47.0 to opponents.
Shooting from deep has been another area of concern. Dallas is hitting just 11.2 threes per game-26th in the league-while opponents are connecting on 11.8. Their 34.5% clip from beyond the arc isn’t disastrous, but it’s not enough to consistently close the gap against higher-powered offenses.
Klay Thompson is still one of the league’s most dangerous shooters, hitting 2.9 threes per game (16th in the NBA), but without consistent support around him, those shots haven’t always translated to wins.
So, what does this all mean heading into Wednesday night? Minnesota comes in healthier, deeper, and more balanced.
If Edwards is cleared to play, the Timberwolves will look to push the pace and exploit Dallas’ defensive lapses. For the Mavericks, it’s all about survival mode.
If Flagg is available, he’ll need to shoulder a heavy load on both ends of the floor. But with so many key players out, Dallas will have to dig deep and hope for a breakout performance from its supporting cast to keep pace with one of the West’s most complete teams.
Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET at American Airlines Center.