The post Mavericks dealt brutal blow in Thunder clash appeared first on ClutchPoints.
The Dallas Mavericks will play the second consecutive game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night. The Mavs have some momentum following Sunday’s 139-129 win over the Toronto Raptors, however, the latest injury update is far from ideal. According to the NBA injury report, Derek Lively II is dealing with a right knee contusion and is listed as questionable for Monday night’s game.
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Lively joins four other players listed on the injury report. Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery) and Dante Exum (right knee injury management) remain out while Daniel Gafford (right ankle sprain) is doubtful and Brandon Williams (personal reasons) is questionable to play.
Anthony Davis prefers to play power forward rather than center, but he’ll likely have to start at the five against the Thunder given this latest injury update — unless Lively or Gafford end up being upgraded before tipoff. Their questionable statuses, however, suggest they probably won’t play Monday night.
Dallas could always start Dwight Powell if absolutely necessary, but there’s a much higher likelihood that AD starts at five. If that ends up being the case, PJ Washington could slide to the four. Maybe Jason Kidd would consider starting D’Angelo Russell at point guard and moving Cooper Flagg to the two and Klay Thompson to the three. Or, Kidd could keep Flagg and Thompson in the backcourt and start another three-man.
The Mavs’ depth gives Kidd plenty of roster options. Still, Lively’s expected absence is a big blow to the Mavericks. Even if he were fully healthy, upsetting the Thunder would already be a challenge. Lively’s injury means Dallas will need to put together a tremendous all-around performance.
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Further updates on the injury situation will be provided prior to the game. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. EST.
Related: Thunder’s Chet Holmgren improved for Monday’s game against Mavericks
Related: Thunder’s Chet Holmgren questionable for Monday game against Mavericks
