The Dallas Mavericks will again be tested by attrition as they prepare for Saturday’s rematch against the Utah Jazz, balancing momentum from their most complete performance of the season with an injury report that remains extensive.
Dallas enters the matchup at 16–26, positioned in the lower tier of a tightly compressed Western Conference. While the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, and Denver Nuggets have established early separation at the top, the Mavericks remain clustered with several teams fighting to stay within reach of the play-in picture. Utah, meanwhile, arrives at 14–27, still searching for consistency amid its own personnel challenges.
Thursday’s 144-122 win over the Jazz offered Dallas a glimpse of what is possible even while short-handed, as the Mavericks produced season highs in points and three-pointers while leading by as many as 38.
Dallas Mavericks Lean On Depth Amid Injuries
That performance came without several rotation regulars, a reality that will persist into Saturday. Forward P.J. Washington has been ruled out for personal reasons after initially being listed as probable with right ankle injury management, removing one of Dallas’ most reliable frontcourt contributors. Rookie Cooper Flagg remains doubtful with a left ankle sprain suffered Wednesday against Denver.
The broader injury picture continues to shape Dallas’ approach. Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving remain sidelined following surgery, as does Dereck Lively II with a right foot injury. Daniel Gafford is doubtful with a right ankle sprain, while Max Christie is listed as probable as he works through an illness. Two-way players Moussa Cissé and Miles Kelly are questionable, and Danté Exum remains out while rehabbing from right knee surgery.
Despite those absences, Dallas responded with cohesion and pace against Utah, leaning on ball movement, defensive activity and contributions throughout the roster.
“Yeah. Great team win. Great bounce back from last night, being able to make 19 threes,” head coach Jason Kidd said. “I thought we shot the ball better. I thought we got off to a really good start. But I thought Klay was the leader of the group in the sense of being able — the energy that the guys played off of getting him the ball.”
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl Fills Frontcourt Void On 10-Day Deal
To help offset the absence of Washington and Flagg, Dallas has leaned on Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, who is with the Mavericks on a hardship 10-day contract to provide frontcourt depth.
Robinson-Earl delivered a steady showing in Thursday’s win, finishing with 12 points and seven rebounds in 22 minutes while shooting 5-of-8 from the field. His three-pointer late in the third quarter capped Dallas’ largest lead of the season and underscored the value of familiarity and readiness in a compressed rotation.
“Yes. There was a list, and he was one of the guys on that list for us to try to get,” Kidd said. “And so having him in training camp was a big reason. He understood what we were doing.”
Naji Marshall’s Consistency Anchors Short-Handed Lineups
While the rotation has fluctuated nightly, Naji Marshall has remained a constant. Marshall has played in all 42 games this season and continues to deliver regardless of role, scoring 22 points with six rebounds and three steals against Utah after outings of 22 points versus Brooklyn and 24 against Denver earlier in the week.
“Played okay. He was great,” Kidd said. “He’s been playing at a high, high level for us. Again, being able to play the point or however you want — point forward. His ability to get into the paint, find teammates, rebound the ball, defend, and then be able to score.”
Marshall’s versatility has been critical as lineups shift due to injuries.
“So when you have that type of Swiss Army knife that you can rely on — if there’s an injury, you can start him, and if you’re healthy, you can bring him off the bench,” Kidd said.
Building Momentum In A Crowded Western Conference
Dallas’ challenge now is sustaining that level of cohesion as the Western Conference standings continue to compress behind the league’s elite. The Mavericks are grouped with teams such as Memphis, Utah, Sacramento, and New Orleans, where small swings in results can quickly alter positioning.
Thursday’s blowout win provided encouragement, but the test remains consistency. With Washington out, Flagg sidelined, and Robinson-Earl filling in on a short-term deal, the Mavericks will again lean on preparation, adaptability, and leadership as they look to build momentum in a rematch that carries weight well beyond one night.
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