The Dallas Mavericks travel to Los Angeles Friday for the NBA Cup clash at Crypto.com Arena, with tip-off set for 10:00 p.m. ET. Both teams are dealing with injury concerns that could shape the matchup.
Dallas (5–14) comes off a 96–102 loss to Memphis, which came after defeating New Orleans 118–115. The Lakers (13–4) continue a five-game winning streak following victories over the Clippers and Jazz.
Dallas will be without Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery) and Dereck Lively II (right foot, injury management). Dante Exum is also out with a right knee issue. Anthony Davis is listed as questionable due to a left calf strain, while Cooper Flagg is available after wearing a splint on his right thumb.
Los Angeles has Deandre Ayton probable with a right knee contusion and Marcus Smart questionable with back spasms. The Lakers have not reported other major injuries, keeping their rotation largely intact.
Anthony Davis leads Dallas with 20.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, while Cooper Flagg contributes 15.9 points and 6.4 rebounds. Klay Thompson averages 10.3 points in limited minutes.
For the Lakers, Luka Doncic dominates with 35.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game, supported by Austin Reaves’ 27.9 points and Rui Hachimura’s 14.9 points.
This season marks the first meeting between Dallas and Los Angeles
