The Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder will be shorthanded when they begin the first of a three-game regular season series Monday night.
The Mavericks listed Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II as doubtful for the first meeting against the defending champions. Lively could miss his first game of the season because of a right knee contusion. It is unclear when the contusion occurred, but Lively played 21 minutes in Sunday’s win over Toronto.
Gafford has yet to make his season debut because of a right ankle sprain suffered during the first day of training camp on Sept. 30.
Brandon Williams has been upgraded to questionable for Monday night after missing Sunday’s game to tend to a family matter.
Mavericks
With both of Dallas’ main centers probable to miss Monday’s game, the team’s depth will be tested. Anthony Davis could start at center, while reserve Dwight Powell will likely be his backup. Two-way big man Moussa Cisse could receive his first opportunity at meaningful minutes since the Mavericks will be shorthanded.
Dallas remains without the services of Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery) and Dante Exum, who will miss an indefinite amount of time because of right knee injury management.
The Mavericks will be on the second night of a back-to-back Monday night while the Thunder will begin the front end of its own back-to-back.
Oklahoma City submitted a lengthy injury report, as well. Starting power forward Chet Holmgren was initially listed as questionable for Monday’s meeting with the Mavericks because of low back soreness, but he was upgraded to available. He played 27 minutes and finished with 31 points, 11 rebounds and three steals in the Thunder’s win in Atlanta on Saturday.
Oklahoma City will be without Jalen Williams as he continues to recover from right wrist surgery. Alex Caruso will miss Monday’s game because of concussion protocol, while Isaiah Joe will not be available because of a left knee contusion.
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