The Dallas Mavericks added another key name to an already bruised injury report on Friday, listing guard D’Angelo Russell as questionable due to illness ahead of their matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans at American Airlines Center.

Russell has been one of Dallas’ most productive reserves this season, averaging 12.6 points, 5.0 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 16 games. He is coming off one of his best outings of the year, scoring 23 points with seven assists in Wednesday’s 113-111 loss to the New York Knicks. His potential absence adds further strain to a roster that has been operating with razor-thin margins and limited continuity.

Dallas Mavericks Still Shorthanded as Schedule Grind Continues

In addition to Russell’s late addition, the Mavericks continue to navigate several long-term and short-term absences. Cooper Flagg is available but remains limited by a right thumb splint. Anthony Davis remains out with a left calf strain, Kyrie Irving is out as he recovers from left knee surgery, Ryan Nembhard is out with a left knee sprain, and Danté Exum is out as he prepares for season-ending follow-up surgery on his right knee.

Despite the mounting losses, the Mavericks showed resilience Wednesday night. The team was without Davis, Irving, and Flagg, yet still came within a whistle of knocking off a Knicks team that entered the night 8-5. Russell and Naji Marshall each scored 23 points off the bench, the first time this season two Dallas reserves eclipsed the 20-point mark in the same game.

Russell said the Mavericks’ second unit tried to set a tone.

“Everybody’s got that mentality where it’s the next man’s up,” Russell said. “Everybody on our roster is hungry to play and prove themselves.”

P.J. Washington Steady Through Shooting Struggles

P.J. Washington, who has emerged as the Mavericks’ emotional compass through this difficult stretch, again set the tone defensively despite a frigid shooting night. He shot just 1-of-12 from the floor, but his 10 rebounds and three steals steadied a lineup low on experience and shot creation.

“When P.J. goes 1-for-12, a lot of times, you don’t think you’re going to be in the game,” head coach Jason Kidd said. “But that’s P.J.’s ability to fight on the defensive end.”

Washington’s recent message resonates even more given the Mavericks’ circumstances.

“It’s not going to rain forever,” Washington said earlier this week following the blowout loss at Minnesota—words that have circulated among teammates and staff over the last 48 hours.

Dallas Mavericks Face Another Team Searching for Answers

The Mavericks (4-12) host the Pelicans (2-13) in NBA Cup group play, pairing two teams attempting to push through early-season adversity. New Orleans fired head coach Willie Green last week and remains winless under interim coach James Borrego.

The Pelicans will again be without Dejounte Murray (Achilles) and Jordan Poole (quad), though rookie Derik Queen is coming off a career-best 30-point performance against Denver.

Dallas, meanwhile, is closing out a punishing stretch of nine games in 15 days, including three overtime periods and their fourth game in five days. Kidd acknowledged the toll of the schedule but said the group continues to compete.

“We’ve got to learn to value the ball and execute down the stretch and it’ll turn,” Kidd said. “You stay together, come tomorrow and come to work and find a way to get better.”

Whether Russell is able to suit up Friday could have a significant impact on Dallas’ already limited spacing and playmaking. If he cannot go, the Mavericks may again be forced to lean heavily on Marshall, Max Christie and Brandon Williams to initiate offense.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at American Airlines Center.

Latest Dallas Mavericks News & NBA Rumors