The Dallas Mavericks released a crowded injury report ahead of Friday’s road matchup against the league-leading Oklahoma City Thunder, with multiple rotation players still working through lingering issues as the team attempts to extend its season-best winning streak.

Cooper Flagg is available while wearing a right-thumb splint. P.J. Washington is questionable with a right ankle sprain, and Daniel Gafford is also questionable as he continues right ankle injury management following a re-aggravation Wednesday night.

Danté Exum (right knee injury management) and Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery) remain out, along with Dereck Lively II, who is out due to right-foot injury management and is currently seeking multiple medical opinions on next steps.

Dallas Mavericks Rookie Point Guard Taking Over the Moment

If Ryan Nembhard were an actor, his rise would resemble a breakout performance before the opening credits rolled.

That’s how quickly the undrafted rookie has asserted himself in Dallas’ rotation. The Mavericks believed they had something during his standout Summer League showing, but his elevation into the starting lineup has accelerated the timeline.

Dallas has won three straight since Nembhard’s promotion, including back-to-back victories over Denver and Miami. Through it all, Nembhard has tried to keep the moment small.

“It’s the NBA. You got to do it consistently,” Nembhard said after Wednesday’s 118–108 win over the Heat. “If you do it for one night, it doesn’t matter.”

He became the first undrafted rookie in NBA history to record at least 15 points and 10 assists in consecutive games. He is also the first undrafted rookie since 2022 — when current teammate Brandon Williams accomplished it — to post double-digit assists in back-to-back games.

“It’s a blessing,” Nembhard said. “It shows my work is paying off. But you got to be consistent in this league. I want to be able to do it night in and night out. I’m just trying to make the right play out there.”

At 5-11, draft-day skepticism was predictable, but the Mavericks have emphasized that his feel for the position outweighed any measurements. His first start coincided with Anthony Davis’ return from injury, and he has outplayed every other option the Mavericks tried at point guard — Cooper Flagg, D’Angelo Russell, and Williams among them.

Flagg, the No. 1 pick and the youngest player in the league, said Nembhard’s presence has helped stabilize the rookie class.

“Ryan’s the type of player where it’s easy to be alongside,” Flagg said. “He’s been ultra-confident and that’s what you have to do. It just makes everybody better. It’s been great. He’s a great player and a great person.

“Me, Ryan, Miles (Kelly) as well, Moussa (Cisse), the four of us coming in here even though we’re all at different stages in our lives, we’re all kind of going through the same things. You’re a rookie together and you’re only a rookie once. Just trying to go through it together and not feel like we’re alone out there. Those are great people and I’ve gotten pretty close to each of them.”

Two-way center Moussa Cisse has taken on a larger role amid frontcourt injuries. Kelly has continued putting up strong scoring performances with the G League’s Texas Legends and is expected to see NBA minutes as the season evolves.

Flagg, meanwhile, has averaged 27 points during Dallas’ three-game winning streak, showcasing a more aggressive interior style. Though he has taken only six three-pointers across those three games — and none in his 24-point outing against Miami — the Mavericks are not discouraging the shot. They are simply emphasizing his strengths.

“This league is about driving, being able to create,” coach Jason Kidd said. “Paint points, free throws and then the three. Cooper has the ability to shoot the three. But when you can play to your strengths in this league, you can have a lot of success. And I think Cooper is getting to the midrange, being able to attack the rim and get to the free throw line. Doing that on a consistent basis can elevate you to be one of the best in this league. He’s only 18 years old, and he’s learning the game.”

A Major Test: Oklahoma City Thunder Rolling Toward Historic Pace

The Mavericks haven’t won four straight since posting a seven-game streak early last season, and Friday presents their toughest challenge yet.

The Thunder (21–1) have assembled the league’s best defensive rating and rank fifth in offensive efficiency. Their lone loss came in Portland’s home opener. Oklahoma City is also 10–0 at home.

They are powered by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who enters the game averaging 32.8 points and 6.5 assists. Recently returned wing Jalen Williams, who missed the season’s first 19 games, has helped stabilize the rotation.

Despite the Thunder’s dominance, Dallas won twice in Oklahoma City last season.

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