The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers will compete at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday sidelined a number of important players.
Mavericks rookie star Cooper Flagg (left midfoot sprain) and Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery) are out, while Kyrie Irving remains sidelined with left knee surgery.
Dallas will also be missing G League two-way players Moussa Cisse and Miles Kelly, both listed as questionable, while Naji Marshall (left foot strain) and Caleb Martin (left ankle sprain) are questionable. Ryan Nembhard is also doubtful for the match.
Luka Doncic will not play for the Lakers due to a left hamstring injury. Deandre Ayton is questionable due to right knee soreness, leaving Los Angeles dependent on LeBron James and Austin Reaves for scoring and playmaking.
Flagg leads the Mavericks with 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game, while Marshall contributes 15 points per game and PJ Washington adds 14 points with 7.1 rebounds. Max Christie produces 13.1 points per game, giving Dallas depth despite several absences.
Los Angeles’ offense relies heavily on Doncic’s 32.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.6 assists per game. James contributes 21.8 points and 5.7 rebounds, while Reaves averages 25.7 points. Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart provide extra support on both sides.
The Mavericks are struggling with a 19-34 record, including a 5-17 mark on the road, and are in the midst of an eight-game losing streak. Los Angeles is 32-21 overall but has dropped its last two games, including a 108-136 loss to San Antonio.
Dallas has lost both previous games against the Lakers this season: 129-119 in the NBA Cup on November 28 and 116-110 on January 24.
Game tipoff is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET.
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