Archives

Thursday, January 15, 2026
HomeDallas MavericksDallas Mavericks Drop D’Angelo Russell Injury Update Before Philadelphia 76ers Game
Dallas MavericksNBAPhiladelphia 76ers

Dallas Mavericks Drop D’Angelo Russell Injury Update Before Philadelphia 76ers Game

Grant AfsethGrant Afseth
D'Angelo Russell, Dallas Mavericks, NBA
Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images

Dallas Mavericks guard D’Angelo Russell is questionable for Thursday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers due to illness, adding another layer of uncertainty for a Mavericks team searching for continuity amid a challenging stretch.

Russell was a late addition to the injury report and has been in and out of the rotation recently, averaging 12.5 minutes over his last four appearances. The Mavericks practiced Wednesday, and Russell participated during the open media viewing portion, getting shots up in drills alongside teammates. However, Dallas did not hold a shootaround Thursday, leaving his availability uncertain entering tipoff. Russell has dealt with illness-related absences multiple times this season.

For the season, Russell is averaging 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 19.0 minutes across 25 games. He has not played 20 or more minutes in a game since Nov. 19.

Anthony Davis Returns as Dallas Mavericks Look to Reset

While Russell’s status remains unclear, the Mavericks are set to receive a significant boost elsewhere. Anthony Davis will return after missing the past two games with a right groin/adductor strain sustained during the Christmas Day loss to the Golden State Warriors.

“We always want him to play, so we’re happy to have him back,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “We’ll see the 30–34 minutes that he’ll be able to play (against the Sixers) — we’ll get him some touches. But again both offensively and defensively, we’ll need him to be AD.”

Dallas is 12–22 overall this season, but 8–8 when Davis plays. During a nine-game stretch from Dec. 1–23 in which Davis was available, the Mavericks went 6–3, including wins over the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, and Miami Heat.

Davis is averaging 20.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks while shooting 52.1 percent from the field in just under 30 minutes per game.

“A lot of times it’s chemistry and just understanding when guys get minutes on the floor with AD, the relationship is created,” Kidd said. “Hopefully, we can get that relationship (back) where it left off, because I thought him and Cooper (Flagg) were starting to play at a very high level.”

Interior Matchup Looms Against Joel Embiid

Davis’ return is particularly timely with Joel Embiid expected to play. Embiid is listed as probable for Philadelphia after posting 34 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in Tuesday’s 139–136 overtime win in Memphis.

“When Embiid’s in, it’s a different game,” Kidd said. “When you look at what he did (Tuesday) night at Memphis — just being able to shoot it, he can post, he can pass.

“The touches that he gets he can put the ball in the basket. He’s been doing that his whole career.”

Daniel Gafford will also be a key part of Dallas’ interior rotation after recording 17 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks in Monday’s 125–122 loss at Portland.

“Gaff is tough,” Kidd said. “He’s doing whatever he can do to help this team wins.

“With the injuries that he has, he’s going out there and giving everything he has.”

Road Struggles, Clutch Games Define Dallas Mavericks’ Stretch

The Mavericks return home after being swept on a three-game road trip, losing at Golden State on Christmas, followed by defeats at Sacramento and Portland.

Despite the results, Dallas remained competitive, with Max Christie scoring a season-high 25 points at Portland and Brandon Williams adding 22.

Dallas has played 26 clutch games this season — the most in the NBA — and is 10–16 in those contests.

“It just shows that we’re in a lot of close games,” Kidd said. “Unfortunately, the ball on the offensive end hasn’t dropped for us, and on the defensive end (we haven’t) been able to get a stop. Hopefully as we continue to play these close games that record changes.”

Injury Report and Game Notes

For Dallas, Kyrie Irving (knee surgery), Dereck Lively II (foot surgery), and Danté Exum (knee surgery) remain out. Russell’s status will be determined closer to tipoff.

Philadelphia will be without Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford, while Embiid is listed as probable.

The Sixers are 7–6 on the road and sit in the middle of a tightly packed Eastern Conference playoff race. Thursday marks the fourth game of a five-game road trip for Philadelphia, while Dallas opens a brief two-game homestand before heading back out next week.

Latest Dallas Mavericks News & NBA Trade Rumors

Tags :Anthony DavisD'Angelo RussellDallas MavericksJason KiddJoel EmbiidNBANBA Injury ReportPhiladelphia 76ers
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.
view all posts

You Might Also Like