The Mavs are struggling! Well, they started the season strong, aiming to conquer the West once again. However, their momentum has taken a minor hit, as they’ve lost their last three games and dropped to the fifth rank in their conference. Obviously, Luka Doncic’s recent unavailability is a major cause for that slump. Surely, they will be looking to turn things around as they face the Cavs tomorrow. Unfortunately, though, things do not seem in their favor because they might have to play without several key players once again, as PJ Washington highlights the injury report.

Yes, PJ is questionable to suit up tomorrow. The reason? A right knee sprain he suffered during yesterday’s clash against the Rockets. Well, he left the game because of the injury after only sixteen minutes of playing time and finished with 6 points and three rebounds. Moreover, the timing of this setback is unfortunate as PJ just returned to the lineup two games ago after serving a one-game suspension for shoving Jusuf Nurkic to the ground during a physical altercation.

Of course, his absence would be a massive blow to the team as the forward has been in solid form so far, averaging 12.5 points and over seven rebounds. Joining him on the injury report is Maxi Kleber, who is also questionable with a right oblique strain. Meanwhile, Naji Marshall continues to remain out as tomorrow is the final game of his four-game suspension for the altercation with Nurkic.

Sure enough, these are trying times for the Mavs, especially because Luka Doncic is unlikely to return for at least a month, as he is still recovering from the left calf strain he suffered on Christmas Day. As per vet insider, Shams, he will be re-evaluated in a month.

Mavs and Cavaliers’ depth chart, amid Luka’s absence and Cleveland running riot!

With PJ’s availability uncertain, this is what the Mavs’ depth chart looks like:

Well, they will surely face a major depth issue if both forwards, Washington and Kleber, end up sitting out. In that case, Olivier-Maxence Prosper could see a significant increase in minutes. Meanwhile, the rest of the lineup is likely to remain the same as the last game.

For the Cavs, this is what their depth chart looks like:

Isaac Okoro is likely to remain out as he continues to recover from a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder. But the remaining key players are healthy and available. Sam Merrill, who was questionable for the Lakers game, should make it too. Moreover, the Cavs are unlikely to make any lineup changes because they are on an eight-game winning streak and this rotation has proved successful so far.

Turns out, this is both teams’ first meeting this season. Last year, the Cavs swept the Mavs in the season series. And the outcome could be the same tomorrow with the Dallas-based franchise missing multiple stars. Whose side are you on?