The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers will enter Thursday’s matchup at Crypto.com Arena with several key players sidelined.
Mavericks rookie star Cooper Flagg (left midfoot sprain) and Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery) are out, while Kyrie Irving remains sidelined with left knee surgery.
Dallas will also be missing G League two-way players Moussa Cisse and Miles Kelly, both listed as doubtful, while Naji Marshall (left foot strain) and Caleb Martin (left ankle sprain) are questionable. Ryan Nembhard is also doubtful for the contest.
For the Lakers, Luka Doncic will not play due to a left hamstring strain. Deandre Ayton is questionable with right knee soreness, leaving Los Angeles reliant on LeBron James and Austin Reaves for scoring and playmaking.
Flagg leads the Mavericks with 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, while Marshall contributes 15 points per contest and P.J. Washington adds 14 points with 7.1 rebounds. Max Christie provides 13.1 points per game, giving Dallas depth despite multiple absences.
Los Angeles’ offense leans heavily on Doncic’s 32.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game. James is contributing 21.8 points and 5.7 rebounds, while Reaves averages 25.7 points. Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart provide additional support on both ends.
The Mavericks are struggling with a 19-34 record, including a 5-17 mark on the road, and are in the midst of an eight-game losing streak. Los Angeles is 32-21 overall but has dropped its last two games, including a 108-136 loss to San Antonio.
Dallas has lost both previous matchups against the Lakers this season, 129-119 in the NBA Cup on November 28 and 116-110 on January 24.
Game tipoff is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET.
