Mavericks Rule Out 5 Key Players on Injury Report Before Facing Trail Blazers

It was already known that the Dallas Mavericks would be without Luka Dončić (left calf strain) and Danté Exum (right wrist surgery) when they tip off against the Portland Trail Blazers. However, the list of inactive players has grown.

Before an injury report was released ahead of Saturday’s game, Kyrie Irving was already known as one of the key players ready to face the Trail Blazers. He confirmed with reporters that he will play, emphasizing Dallas “can’t drop any games” and that this is when teams “start to separate or fall behind.”

Irving led the Mavericks with 20 points while adding four rebounds and five assists during Friday’s 98-89 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Dallas has 7-1 in games Irving has played without Dončić in the lineup, providing the team with optimism about the ability to weather not having the Slovenian superstar for what could be a month or longer with his calf injury.

Dereck Lively II Not Ready to Return

Dereck Lively II (left hip contusion) is set to miss his second consecutive game. He was sidelined against the Suns after suffering the injury on Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 105-99 loss.

Lively traveled with the team but didn’t work out at Footprint Center. His participation in the weight room or on-court workouts will be meaningful in his return to action, but his presence indicates a short-term timetable.

Daniel Gafford started in Lively’s place in Phoenix, recording 16 points, five rebounds, and two blocks in 29 minutes. Dwight Powell received 15 minutes off the bench.

Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington Suspended

Two other inactive players include Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington, who received NBA suspensions due to their involvement in the on-court incident involving Suns center Jusuf Nurkić on Friday. Marshall received the longest suspension for trying to ”further engage” near the locker room in a “hostile manner.”

Marshall and Nurkić were primarily involved, but the NBA determined that Washington “escalated” the situation, resulting in his ejection from the game and a one-game suspension. Marshall will miss the remainder of the Mavericks’ road trip, which includes three games left and a home matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Washington can return on Monday against the Sacramento Kings.

How the Dallas Mavericks Could Approach the Rotation

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Without Marshall and Washington, the Mavericks will surely rely heavily on Maxi Kleber and Olivier-Maxence Prosper to play the four. Another possibility is having Klay Thompson play the four since he’s been deployed in that capacity at times.

Kleber should be well-equipped to handle an expanded role if he continues his recent momentum. Against the Suns, he provided a season-high 15 points while chipping in seven rebounds and two assists in 26 minutes.

Quentin Grimes is another option that could see an extended run on the wing without how depleted the rotation will be. The Mavericks can deploy three-guard lineups, with Spencer Dinwiddie and Jaden Hardy active.