Dallas Mavericks Guard D’Angelo Russell Downgraded On Injury Report Before Facing Boston Celtics
The Dallas Mavericks’ already thin rotation may be stretched further Tuesday night. D’Angelo Russell was downgraded to questionable with an illness ahead of Dallas’ home game against the Boston Celtics at American Airlines Center. Russell was not present at the Mavericks’ morning shootaround, a notable absence as the team continues to navigate a lengthy injury report.
Russell’s availability has been sporadic throughout the season, and the downgrade adds another layer of uncertainty for a Dallas team that has struggled to keep lineups intact. He has appeared in 26 games, averaging 10.2 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.3 rebounds in 19.0 minutes per game while shooting 40.5% from the field and 29.5% from three-point range.
D’Angelo Russell Lacks Role With the Dallas Mavericks
Former Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison envisioned Russell as a stopgap option to fill in at point guard while Kyrie Irving recovered from ACL surgery. However, that did not come to fruition, and Russell’s role has further diminished since Harrison’s dismissal.
Russell has played just once in 2026, logging 18 minutes in a Jan. 10 loss at Chicago — a game in which head coach Jason Kidd was ejected in the first quarter. Russell finished that night with eight points, four assists, and two rebounds.
The veteran guard has not logged 20 or more minutes since Nov. 19 against the New York Knicks, when he scored 23 points in 24 minutes. Since then, his role has steadily diminished, with multiple inactive and did-not-play designations across December and January as the Mavericks adjusted their rotation amid ongoing injuries.
For the season, Russell has made three starts and seen his playing time fluctuate sharply. Dallas is 9–17 in games he has appeared in, with his usage declining as lineup availability and priorities have shifted.
“We’re looking at going young with the group that we have,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said on Jan. 28. “D-Lo’s done everything, he’s a pro. He’s continuing to keep working on his game, and when his name is called, he’ll be ready.”
D’Angelo Russell Remains a Trade Candidate
League context continues to follow Russell as the trade deadline approaches. Sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com to keep an eye on Russell among potential Mavericks trade candidates.
While interest around the league is described as minimal, Dallas would benefit from moving Russell’s contract before he can exercise his $6 million player option for the 2026–27 season. With the Mavericks prioritizing roster flexibility and development opportunities elsewhere, Russell’s uncertain role has increasingly mirrored his uncertain future with the team.
“If [Russell] hit the market this summer, he is probably looking at closer to a minimum than tax MLE,” one source said. “Taking on that money will surely require compensating a team to do it.”
Dallas Mavericks Shorthanded Again Against Boston
Russell’s questionable status comes with Dallas already missing several key contributors. Anthony Davis (left finger sprain), Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery), and Danté Exum (right knee surgery) remain out. P.J. Washington is sidelined in concussion protocol, while Brandon Williams is questionable with a right lower leg contusion.
That leaves Dallas leaning heavily once again on rookie Cooper Flagg, who is coming off a historic two-game stretch that included a 49-point performance against Charlotte and 34 points Saturday in Houston.
The Celtics arrive in Dallas riding recent momentum despite their own season-long adversity. Boston is 31–18 and tied for second in the Eastern Conference, having adapted in the absence of Jayson Tatum with Jaylen Brown stepping into a primary scoring role and a deep supporting cast contributing on both ends of the floor.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at American Airlines Center, with Russell’s status expected to be clarified closer to game time.
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