The Dallas Mavericks roll into Fiserv Forum tonight to take on the Milwaukee Bucks, but let’s be honest—things are looking rough for Jason Kidd and his team. The team was already struggling with injuries, and now, they’ve taken a massive hit. Kyrie Irving, who had been holding things down after Luka Doncic’s departure, suffered an ACL injury in his left knee during Monday’s matchup against the Kings.

Just like that, his season is over. Losing him at this stage couldn’t have come at a worse time, leaving Dallas in an even deeper hole. Now, with their best shot at staying competitive gone, the conversation has shifted once again—to Anthony Davis. If you were expecting to see AD back on the floor tonight, it’s another disappointment. He remains out with an adductor strain, and the Mavericks’ injury situation keeps getting worse.

Dallas will also be missing Dante Exum, Daniel Gafford, Jaden Hardy, Dereck Lively II, and PJ Washington. On top of that, Caleb Martin’s status remains uncertain. Amidst all this, Coach Kidd had a strong message before they took on the Bucks.

“As much as we’re gonna miss Kai and his leadership, I understand. We have a game to play tonight here in Milwaukee, and we have eight guys, and so we got to focus on the present,” Kidd stated.

He emphasized the importance of preparation, adding, “The guys that will be prepared. And we gotta find a way to win a game, but no one feels sorry for us. This is a business, and we have a job and responsibility and have to go out and play, and so it’s a real simple message.”

Kidd didn’t sugarcoat the situation—there’s no time to dwell on what’s missing. The league moves forward with or without them, and the Mavericks have to keep fighting if they want to stay competitive.

With the Mavericks shorthanded, Kidd acknowledged the opportunity for players to step up. “Guys are going to get a great opportunity to play that maybe wouldn’t have gotten as much time. We have 20 games left, and we got to find a way to put our best foot forward,” he said.

Not only is the 51-year-old coach short on players, he might be losing someone from his staff as well.

Jason Kidd could lose one of his most trusted assistants to Utah

The Mavericks can’t catch a break. Ever since the Luka trade, things have spiraled, and now, the hits keep coming. The latest blow? Assistant coach Alex Jensen is reportedly the frontrunner for the University of Utah’s head coaching job. A former Utes standout in the late ‘90s, Jensen has the chance to return to his alma mater—an incredible opportunity for him, but yet another setback for Dallas.

Jensen has been one of Jason Kidd’s most trusted assistants since joining in 2023. If he leaves, it only adds to the growing instability in a franchise that’s been in freefall. The Mavs have already been dealing with internal tension after the Doncic trade, and things got worse when assistant coach Darrell Armstrong was arrested on aggravated assault charges.

Dallas has struggled to find any sense of control since shaking up the roster. Losing Jensen wouldn’t completely derail them, but at a time when they desperately need stability, it wouldn’t help either. Fans barely recognize this team anymore. While no one can blame Jensen for chasing a career move, his exit would give Kidd and GM Nico Harrison another hole to patch.

But let’s be real—Dallas lost its footing long before this. The moment Kyrie Irving tore his ACL on Monday, the ship sank. Now, the Mavs are stuck in limbo, praying for a miracle playoff run or a decent pick in the draft.