Rockets matchup: Mavericks rule out six injured players, including Luka Doncic
Six rotation players—two of whom are NBA All-Stars—have already been ruled out of the Mavs’ lineup for Friday’s game against the Rockets.
Houston — In recent weeks, the Dallas Mavericks have had to contend with the absence of many important players due to injury. There are already an unprecedented number of well-known players who have already been declared out of Friday’s game against the Houston Rockets.
Josh Green (right elbow sprain), Maxi Kleber (right small toe dislocation), Dereck Lively II (left ankle sprain), Dante Exum (left lower leg contusion), Luka Doncic (left quad strain), and Kyrie Irving (right heel contusion) are all out for the Mavericks’ game against the Rockets. Due to back spasms, Seth Curry is still uncertain, capping Dallas’ extensive injury list.
For several of the Mavs’ injured players, there is still a general lack of information surrounding their anticipated comeback dates. But when the club starts a back-to-back, it will be crucial to keep an eye on which guys with minor ailments can play when the team plays the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday.
Walking boots were originally worn by Irving and Lively, but they have now been taken off as they continue their recuperation. It’s unclear when either player will return, which isn’t indicative of their circumstances but rather the team’s usual unwillingness to provide a return date.
To put that in perspective, when asked specifically about Lively’s return, Mavs coach Jason Kidd told reporters prior to the team’s defeat to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday that there is “no timetable” for it.
Before Friday’s game, the Rockets do not have nearly as many injuries to deal with. The only players eliminated are Victor Oladipo (left patellar tendon repair) and those assigned to the G League, such as Nate Hinton, Cam Whitmore, and Jermaine Samuels Jr. Tari Eason is on the team’s “questionable” list because of pain in her left lower leg.
Before the Mavs play the Rockets, more details about the different players who are battling with ailments should become available to the media during pre-game.
