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D’Angelo Russell Ruled Out Against New Orleans Pelicans As Illness Further Depletes Dallas Mavericks’ Rotation

Grant AfsethGrant Afsethno comment
D'Angelo Russell, Dallas Mavericks, NBA, Indiana Pacers
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The Dallas Mavericks will be without another key contributor on Friday night after ruling out guard D’Angelo Russell due to illness ahead of their matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans at American Airlines Center.

Russell, who has been one of Dallas’ most productive reserves this season, is averaging 12.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 16 games. He is coming off a 23-point, seven-assist performance in Wednesday’s narrow 113-111 loss to the New York Knicks, but his absence removes a critical source of shot creation and stability from an already strained rotation.

Dallas Mavericks Still Shorthanded as Schedule Grind Continues

Russell joins a lengthy injury list that continues to limit Dallas’ flexibility. Cooper Flagg is available but is still playing through a right thumb splint. Anthony Davis remains out with a left calf strain, Kyrie Irving is out as he recovers from left knee surgery, Ryan Nembhard is out with a left knee sprain, and Danté Exum is out as he prepares for season-ending knee surgery.

Even with key absences, the Mavericks showed competitive spirit on Wednesday. Dallas came within one possession of beating the Knicks despite missing Davis, Irving, and Flagg. Russell and Naji Marshall each scored 23 points off the bench, marking the first time this season two Mavericks reserves cleared the 20-point mark in the same game.

Russell said after the game that the reserves embraced the challenge.

“Everybody’s got that mentality where it’s the next man’s up,” Russell said. “Everybody on our roster is hungry to play and prove themselves.”

P.J. Washington Steadies the Group Despite Offensive Struggles

P.J. Washington again provided critical defensive support, even on a night when his offense struggled. Washington shot 1-of-12 from the field but hauled in 10 rebounds and added three steals to help keep Dallas competitive.

“When P.J. goes 1-for-12, a lot of times, you don’t think you’re going to be in the game,” head coach Jason Kidd said. “But that’s P.J.’s ability to fight on the defensive end.”

Washington’s earlier message to teammates continues to resonate as the Mavericks navigate a challenging stretch.

“It’s not going to rain forever,” Washington said after the loss in Minnesota — a sentiment Kidd has echoed throughout the week.

Dallas Mavericks Face Another Opponent Searching for Answers

The Mavericks (4-12) face a Pelicans team experiencing its own early turmoil. New Orleans (2-13) fired head coach Willie Green last week and remains winless under interim coach James Borrego. The Pelicans will be without Dejounte Murray (Achilles) and Jordan Poole (quad), though rookie Derik Queen is coming off a breakout 30-point showing against Denver.

Dallas is closing out a taxing run of nine games in 15 days, including three overtime periods. Friday marks their fourth game in five days, with a road trip to Miami looming before their first multi-day break since October.

Kidd said Thursday that the team continues to fight through fatigue and inexperience.

“We’ve got to learn to value the ball and execute down the stretch, and it’ll turn,” Kidd said. “You stay together, come tomorrow, and come to work and find a way to get better.”

With Russell sidelined, Dallas is expected to lean more heavily on Marshall, Brandon Williams, Max Christie, and Jaden Hardy to initiate offense and maintain tempo.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at American Airlines Center.

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Tags :Anthony DavisCooper FlaggD’Angelo RussellDallas MavericksDante ExumJason KiddKyrie IrvingNBA NewsNew Orleans PelicansP.J. WashingtonRyan Nembhard

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Grant Afseth

Grant Afseth

Senior Writer
Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.
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