Despite starting with bench players like PJ Washington and Spencer Dinwiddie, the Dallas Mavericks thrashed the Lakers. With a 21-point difference at the final whistle, the Mavericks seemingly had nothing to be concerned about even with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving sidelined. However, it seems the Mavs’ troubles are far from over. Managing to correct their 5-game skid was a Herculean task in itself. But stringing together wins in the cutthroat Western Conference will be harder.

The initial injury report submitted on January 9, 2024, is causing major alarm amongst the Mavs’ fanbase. The Mavs have confirmed reports of 6 players to be OUT of the squad for their upcoming game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Additionally, another player remains questionable.

Dallas Mavericks Injury Report ahead of Portland Trail Blazers clash

Injuries continue to plague the squad as key players like Luka Doncic are set to miss several games for Dallas in the coming weeks. So let’s dive deeper into the injury report submitted by Dallas and see their potential lineup for Thursday. The duo of Kessler Edwards and Jazian Gortman are also OUT since they have G League duties to fulfill.

Daniel Gafford remains QUESTIONABLE for the game against the TrailBlazers. After missing the Lakers game because of his ankle injury, Gafford will surely have a chip on his shoulder provided he is fit enough to play on Thursday. 

Slovenian international and Mavericks’ main man, Luka Doncic is OUT of the Portland game. Reports indicate Doncic will be out for another 4-6 weeks as he recovers from a left calf strain. His absence will surely be felt as the league progresses. He remains the glue of the team to get back to winning ways and rediscover their form. 

Nursing a back injury, the Mavs’ point guard, Kyrie Irving is also OUT of the game on Thursday. It will be another 1 to 2 weeks before he makes a comeback to the team. Dante Exum will also be OUT after having surgery on his right wrist. It was reported in October last year that the Australian would be out for 3 months after his surgery. However, that window has passed, with no updates on when he’ll return. 

So, who’s ready to start for the Mavericks?

Exploring the Mavericks’s potential line-up

Here’s how the Mavs could line up against Portland:

The role players for the Dallas Mavericks have stepped up massively in the absence of key players. PJ Washington and Quentin Grimes, in particular, showed extra levels to their game against the Lakers. Both had 20+ points against the Lakers, with Grimes having 9 rebounds and 6 assists and Washington having 8 rebounds.

Coach Jason Kidd believed his team, though filled with role players, had great energy against the Lakers. And they absolutely did prove that the Mavs can get it done without their stars on the court! But for how long remains the question to be answered!