Currently sitting in the middle of a loaded Western Conference, the Dallas Mavericks aren’t on the trajectory they hoped to be. Sure, they added veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson to one of the most terrifying backcourt duos in Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. However, their playoff hopes hinge on the Slovenian superstar’s health.

The Knicks, meanwhile, have emerged as a touch contender in the East, sitting at the fourth with a 10-7 record, coming off a dominant 145-118 win over the Nuggets. Led by Jalen Brunson and with spectacular contributions from OG Anunoby and the latest addition, Karl-Anthony Towns, the NYC is on a good run of form.

Needless to say, Dallas will look to secure a much-needed win. However, their performance could heavily be influenced by the availability of key players. As for the ‘Empire State,’ they will also have to rely on their depth tonight.

The Mavs vs. Knicks injury report

The ‘Big D’ has missed Doncic since the team’s 132-91 win over the Pelicans. Although Luka mentioned wrist pain in the first quarter, he logged in 30 minutes. However, his injury turned out to be more serious as an MRI revealed that he sustained a wrist strain. Shams Charania reported that Doncic will be evaluated in 1 week.

There’s no doubt that his absence will leave the team scrambling for leadership. Particularly when Kyrie Irving is looking to take on a larger role. Aside from Luka Dončić, Quentin Grimes, Dereck Lively II, and Klay Thompson are all listed as ‘Questionable’ for tonight.

Thompson, if he does not suit up, will miss his second straight matchup with left foot plantar fasciitis. And in his place, Naji Marshall could likely see more minutes. Much like Thompson, Grimes, if sidelined, will also miss his second straight game due to illness. And finally, Lively, might suffer the same fate. The 20-year-old had left the Hawks matchup early (logged in just 11 minutes and a 2-2-4 stat line) for the same reason. And if the team considers it prudent to sit the young center out, Daniel Gafford would see his name called.

New York, for their part, has their injury concerns. Mitchell Robinson, the team’s primary center, is sidelined with an ankle issue and has not been cleared for basketball activities. This will force the Knicks to adjust their frontcourt rotation. Precious Achiuwa, dealing with a hamstring injury, is also out and won’t be available to contribute. Additionally, Kevin McCullar Jr. has been ruled out due to a knee injury, limiting the Knicks’ options in the forward positions.

The depth chart of Dallas and New York

You don’t need us to tell you that when injuries impact the rotation, the depth of a team will be tested. And in the case of both the Knicks and the Mavs, they will need to rely on their bench to fill critical gaps. For Dallas, the absence of Luka Dončić tests their backcourt’s ability to maintain offensive fluidity. As such, let’s take a look at the depth chart for Dallas Mavericks:

As for the Knicks, their injuries will push their star-studded frontcourt to adapt. As such, here’s how they stack up heading into this highly anticipated East-West showdown!

There’s no doubt that both teams have versatile lineups. The Dallas Mavericks will be banking on Irving’s creativity to steer the offense. And the Knicks? They will have to lean on their formidable frontcourt, led by KAT.

This matchup proves to be a true test of grit and depth for both sides.