The Celtics and Mavericks will meet for the first time since last year’s NBA Finals, though neither team is in a groove. The Mavericks also have another lengthy injury report featuring seven total players for the 5:30 p.m. Saturday game, though there were some pieces of good news.
First and foremost, Klay Thompson (left ankle sprain) and Jaden Hardy (right ankle sprain) were upgraded to questionable. Thompson has missed the past two games due to his injury. Hardy hasn’t played in a week as he’s been sidelined with his own ankle sprain. So both guys being upgraded to potentially available is a step in the right direction for Dallas.
The Mavs also have five players listed as out: Luka Doncic (left calf strain), Dereck Lively II (right ankle stress fracture), Naji Marshall (illness), Dwight Powell (right hip strain) and Dante Exum (right wrist surgery). Those are contributors up and down the roster as the Mavs are looking to stay the course.
Doncic hasn’t played since Christmas Day, when he hurt his calf. He’ll be re-evaluated soon, so he could return to the court in the near future. But his timeline remains uncertain as the Mavs are looking to stay competitive in a tight West. Dallas is 24-21 and in seventh place in the West.
The Celtics have one starter listed on the injury report in Derrick White, who’s questionable with left knee soreness. The C’s were blown out by their rival Lakers last time out in a 21-point loss as they’re looking to bounce back. The Celtics haven’t played consistent basketball as they’re 7-5 in January. Boston is still 31-14, though, so it’s still in second place in the East.
The C’s and Mavs will see plenty of each other over the next two weeks. They meet Saturday in Dallas. Then they play again in Boston on Feb. 6.
