Luka Dončić, Klay Thompson, and Dereck Lively II Headline Lengthy Injury Report as Mavericks Host Knicks

The Mavericks (10-8) come off a hard-fought 129-119 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, overcoming a six-point halftime deficit. Despite battling illness, Kyrie Irving led the way with 32 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter.

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“We just got a lot of competitors in this locker room, a lot of hoopers, and guys that just want to win and are willing to put their bodies on the line,” Irving said. “We’re not sure who’s going to be healthy day in and day out, but those who suit up are going to be ready to play. You’ve just got to put the best effort forward and leave it all out there.”

With four total players with 20 or more points, Dallas also relied on Naji Marshall, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Jaden Hardy, in addition to Irving in Atlanta, who each combined for 97 points. Without Dončić, it displayed the Mavericks’ supporting cast talent and ability to step up when needed. They could be necessary to step up if Grimes, who was sidelined against Atlanta, cannot play.

“I feel like we did that tonight as a team,” Irving said. “They were carrying me as well throughout different levels of the game. That’s what makes team sports beautiful. You can start off not playing your best, but how you finish is everything. Coming off the game last night, we could have easily packed it in during the first half and let them do whatever they wanted. But we kept competing, and I’m proud of the guys.”

Dončić’s absence has left Irving as the team’s focal point, while P.J. Washington has stepped up as a reliable presence, averaging 20.3 points, 12.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists in games without Dončić. The Slovenian superstar is expected to be re-evaluated in the coming days, which could provide more clarity about his situation.

Lively’s illness could further test Dallas’ frontcourt depth. Daniel Gafford, who contributed 10 points and 9 rebounds against Atlanta, will likely be tasked with a heavier workload, especially against Karl-Anthony Towns. Dallas leaned on Maxi Kleber more frequently without Lively available.

“Yeah, I thought Gaff did an incredible job protecting the rim and giving us second opportunities if he wasn’t finishing himself,” head coach Jason Kidd said. “He went on a long stretch and held his ground.”

Maxi Kleber provided additional support off the bench, filling the void with key plays on both ends. Kleber finished with 7 points, 5 rebounds, and a block while making crucial decisions in crunch time.

“I thought Maxi did a great job tagging in for him. He rebounded, had a big block, and even made some key playmaking decisions,” Kidd said. “He turned down a shot to get a dunk and had a put-back layup. I thought Maxi’s minutes were great, especially with Dereck going out due to illness.”

Thompson’s availability remains uncertain as he manages a left foot plantar fascia injury. He sat out for the second night of a back-to-back, but his return would boost the Mavericks’ perimeter scoring and spacing.

The Mavericks will look to build on Monday’s victory as they prepare for the Knicks, led by former Maverick Jalen Brunson. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT, and ESPN will broadcast the game.

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