Dallas dealt a brutal blow to the Thunder clash
The Dallas Mavericks will play a second straight game on Monday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The The Mavs have some momentum after Sunday’s 139-129 win over the Toronto Raptors, however, the latest injury update is far from ideal. According to NBA injury report, Derek Lively II is works with a contusion of the right knee and is listed as questionable for Monday night’s game.
Lively joins four other players listed on the injury report. Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery) and Dante Exum (right knee injury treatment) remain out until Daniel Gafford (sprained right ankle) is questionable and Brandon Williams (personal reasons) is questionable to play.
Anthony Davis he prefers to play forward over center but will likely have to start at five against the Thunder given this latest injury update – unless Lively or Gafford are promoted before tip-off. However, their questionable status suggests they are unlikely to play on Monday night.
Dallas could always start Dwight Powell if absolutely necessary, but AD is much more likely to start at five. If it ends, PJ Washington could drop to the top four. Maybe Jason Kidd would consider starting D’Angelo Russell at point guard and moving Cooper Flagg to the two and Klay Thompson to the three. Or, Kidd could keep Flagg and Thompson in the backcourt and start another man on the 3-pointer.
The Mavs’ depth gives Kidd plenty of lineup options. Still, Lively’s expected absence is a big blow for the Mavericks. Even if he was fully healthy, upsetting the Thunder would already be a challenge. Lively’s injury means Dallas will have to have a great all-around performance.
Further updates on the injury situation will be provided before the game. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 PM EST.
2025-10-27 19:17:00
