The Dallas Mavericks face a significant challenge on the road Wednesday night against the Phoenix Suns, and they may have to navigate it with a depleted roster. A lengthy injury report, headlined by star rookie Cooper Flagg and veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson, casts a shadow over their final stretch of the season.
Flagg, the electrifying young forward, is listed as probable with a left wrist sprain and is expected to suit up. However, the Mavericks are likely to be without Thompson, who is listed as doubtful for rest. This would mark his first missed game in nearly a month, a notable absence for a team that relies on his floor spacing and championship experience.
The injury concerns run much deeper. The frontcourt could be severely shorthanded, with center Daniel Gafford (right shoulder) and forward P.J. Washington (left elbow) both listed as doubtful. Key rotational players Naji Marshall (left hip) and Caleb Martin (right foot) are also doubtful, potentially stripping the bench of vital depth and defensive versatility.
Compounding the issue, the Mavericks will definitively be without two critical pieces for the remainder of the season, as both Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II have been ruled out. Facing a Suns team fighting for playoff positioning, Dallas's resilience and next-man-up mentality will be tested in this late-night tip-off at 10:00 p.m. ET.
