DALLAS — The Mavericks are getting slightly healthier as they upgraded a pair of guys on their injury report for the Celtics game Saturday. Klay Thompson (ankle) and Jaden Hardy (ankle) were upgraded from questionable to available, though Mavs coach Jason Kidd said they’re both going to be on minutes limitations.
The Mavericks are going through an injury-filled stretch. Even though they get Thompson and Hardy back, they still feature Luka Doncic, Dante Exum, Dereck Lively II, Naji Marshall and Dwight Powell as out on their injury report. Kidd said there was no update on Doncic’s status as he’s been out since Christmas Day with a calf injury.
The Celtics upgraded Derrick White from questionable to available on their injury report as he was dealing with a knee issue. The C’s will again be at full strength, though that hasn’t necessarily resulted in wins over the past few weeks.
The C’s and Mavs meet for an NBA Finals rematch, though both teams are dealing with their own issues. Dallas has been mired by injuries ahead of the nationally-televised game. Boston is in the middle of a lull in its schedule, going 7-5 in January thus far, including a blowout loss to the Lakers last game.
Regardless, it’s a big game for both sides Saturday. The C’s are 31-14 for second in the East, looking to finish off their four-game road trip with a victory. The Mavs are 24-21, coming off a win over the West-best Thunder in their last game.
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