Mavericks Face Nuggets with Key Players Sidelined in Critical Injury Report

The Dallas Mavericks host the Denver Nuggets tonight at American Airlines Center. Both teams are playing their second game in two nights. The matchup is heavily impacted by a lengthy list of injured players.

Thirteen players total carry injury designations for this contest. Team officials are being cautious with veterans on a back-to-back schedule. This situation will test both teams’ depth immediately before the Christmas break.

Dallas Grapples with Illness and Soreness Ahead of Showdown

Klay Thompson headlines the Mavericks’ injury concerns. He is listed as doubtful with right knee soreness. Thompson scored 20 points last night despite the issue.

Max Christie is also doubtful due to illness. He missed the previous game for the same reason. P.J. Washington, Dwight Powell, and Brandon Williams are all questionable.

Washington has midfoot soreness. Powell is battling an illness. Williams sprained his right ankle on Monday.

Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, and Dante Exum remain out long-term. According to team reports, their recoveries from surgery are ongoing. The volume of illness-related listings is a concern for Dallas.

Denver’s Rotation Adjustments Without Key Forward

The Nuggets also face significant rotation challenges. Aaron Gordon remains out with a right hamstring strain. His absence continues to impact their frontcourt defense and scoring.

Christian Braun is out with a left ankle sprain. Rookie Tamar Bates is also out following foot surgery. This depletes Denver’s wing options.

Peyton Watson and Jonas Valanciunas are listed as probable. Watson has a trunk contusion. Valanciunas is managing an illness but is expected to play.

The Nuggets dominated the Utah Jazz last night. They will rely heavily on Nikola Jokic to orchestrate the offense again. The Mavericks’ depleted frontcourt will have a major challenge containing him.

Tonight’s game hinges on which team’s role players step up amid widespread injury issues. The Dallas Mavericks injury report reveals a squad battling to stay healthy during a grueling part of the schedule.

Info at your fingertips

Is Klay Thompson playing against the Nuggets?

Klay Thompson is listed as doubtful for the game. He is dealing with soreness in his right knee after playing significant minutes on Monday.

Who is out for the Denver Nuggets tonight?

The Nuggets will be without Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun. Rookie Tamar Bates is also out following surgery.

Why are so many Mavericks players sick?

Multiple players are listed with illnesses. This echoes a similar wave of illness that hit the team’s roster last season during a busy travel period.

Will Nikola Jokic play against Dallas?

Yes, Nikola Jokic is expected to play. He is not listed on the Nuggets’ injury report for this back-to-back game.

What is the status of Mavericks rookie Brandon Williams?

Brandon Williams is questionable. He suffered a right ankle sprain during Monday’s loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.