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Dallas Mavericks Missing 6 Players For Portland Trail Blazers Match-Up

Despite taking a 21-point victory against the Lakers led by Spencer Dinwiddie that finally brought an end to their 5-game losing streak, the Dallas Mavericks face a difficult few weeks thanks to a pile of injuries. The Mavericks revealed they are missing six players for the match-up with the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday, including both Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. Dante Exum is still sidelined after undergoing right wrist surgery during the preseason. While the initial recovery timeline of around three months is approaching, there hasn’t been a recent update on his status. Kessler Edwards and Jazian Gortman are also unavailable, currently assigned to the G-League.

The Mavericks have been especially reliant on the two superstars, although Quentin Grimes has gotten progressively better during his recent run in the team.

The Mavericks Chances

The Mavericks are currently listed at 18/1 odds to win the NBA Championship, while the Western Conference-leading Thunder are favored at 3/1. Although sports betting remains unregulated in Texas, for those wondering how to bet online in Texas, can explore offshore betting platforms offering money lines, futures, and other wagering options. Sports betting expert Richard Presley notes that futures bets, such as predicting playoff outcomes and eventual winners, are also available.

Dallas holds a 21-16 record, placing them fifth in the Western Conference, just ahead of the sixth-seeded Lakers, though they’ve played one more game. The team’s position could have been stronger if not for a recent slump, including a five-game losing streak. This rough patch coincided with injuries to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, impacting the team’s momentum as they faced off against the Lakers.

Luka, Irving’s Absence Adds to the Woes

Doncic has been sidelined for seven games with a left calf strain, leaving Quentin Grimes to fill the gap in the Mavericks’ lineup. While Grimes hasn’t been a game-changer during this stretch, he has delivered solid performances, averaging 15.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. Notably, his six assists against the Los Angeles Lakers were a team-high, an impressive feat considering he came off the bench for that game. Grimes continues to grow as a player, but the Mavericks clearly feel the absence of their five-time All-Star leader, Doncic.

Doncic, known for his high usage rate—ranking 1st or 2nd in the league for every full season since his rookie year—and widely regarded as one of the top European players in NBA history, is unlikely to return before February. With 16 games scheduled in January, his absence could critically impact the Mavericks’ playoff positioning. Before Doncic’s injury, the Mavs were on a roll, winning 14 of their 17 games leading up to Christmas. The sudden loss of their top performer has left a noticeable void on both ends of the court.

 

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Compounding the Mavericks’ struggles, Irving has also been out for the last three games and four of the last five due to shoulder and back injuries, as well as a brief illness. Irving missed the recent matchup against the Trail Blazers and is expected to remain sidelined for another one to two weeks. His absence, combined with Doncic’s, has left the Mavericks heavily dependent on secondary players to carry the load.

The impact of missing both stars has been glaring. The Mavericks are built around the offensive firepower of Doncic and Irving, and their inability to distribute scoring responsibilities effectively has become evident. In contrast, the Trail Blazers showcased a balanced team effort in their recent victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, with six players reaching double digits, including standout performances from Deni Avdija (26 points) and Shaedon Sharpe (21 points).

Looking Back and Ahead

Last season, Doncic and Irving carried the Mavericks to the Playoff Finals, where they ultimately fell to the Celtics, Irving’s former team. This year, their absence during a critical stretch of the season raises questions about the team’s ability to remain competitive. If Doncic and Irving’s injuries persist, the Mavericks’ hopes for a deep postseason run could be in jeopardy. The team must find ways to adapt, relying on players like Grimes to step up and deliver in their absence. However, without their two biggest stars, the road ahead looks significantly more challenging.

A Strengthened Roster Amid Challenges

Despite significant injury setbacks, the Mavericks are better positioned than ever to navigate adversity thanks to a strengthened roster. This is arguably the deepest team Dallas has had since Luka Doncic’s arrival in 2018. The addition of Kyrie Irving in February 2023 was a major boost to their backcourt, while the team further improved its perimeter defense last summer by acquiring Quentin Grimes. Additionally, the Mavericks addressed weaknesses in their frontcourt with a pair of strategic trades, creating a more balanced lineup capable of stepping up in the absence of their stars.

Breaking the Losing Streak

The Mavericks stumbled through a rough Christmas period, dropping five consecutive games during a stretch marred by injuries to Doncic and Irving. However, the team managed to end the skid with an impressive 118-97 win over the Lakers. Grimes came off the bench to deliver the team’s highest points tally, proving to be a vital contributor in Doncic’s absence. PJ Washington also rose to the occasion, scoring over 20 points and showcasing his ability to take on a bigger offensive role when needed. The victory not only halted their losing streak but also helped solidify their standing above the Lakers in the Western Conference.

Looking Ahead

The Mavericks’ injury woes extend beyond Doncic and Irving. Dante Exum has been sidelined since undergoing wrist surgery in October. Although his initial recovery timeline suggested he would return within three months, that deadline has passed with no updates on his status. His continued absence leaves a noticeable gap in their depth, adding further pressure on the remaining roster to perform.

At the start of the season, the Mavericks were listed at +1200 odds to win the NBA Playoffs, reflecting optimism about their revamped roster. However, the string of injuries has significantly dimmed their championship prospects. The team’s chances hinge on whether the supporting cast can continue to step up in the coming weeks. If Grimes, Washington, and other role players can keep the team competitive, the Mavericks may still be in a strong position when Doncic and Irving return. While the odds are no longer in their favor, Dallas isn’t out of the playoff conversation yet, but time is running out to turn things around.

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