The Dallas Mavericks face a significant challenge as injuries pile up ahead of their game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Veteran guard Dante Exum has been ruled out due to a left foot contusion, marking his 50th missed game of the season. His absence strips the Mavericks of crucial backcourt depth, already impacted by the injuries to Kyrie Irving and Jaden Hardy. The team's dwindling roster leaves them potentially fielding as few as eight players against a Bucks squad that recently bested them on the court.

With Exum sidelined after a disappointing shooting night in the loss to the Sacramento Kings, Dallas is left with limited options. The Mavericks' injury list also includes Anthony Davis, PJ Washington, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford among others, complicating their game strategy. Newly-acquired Kai Jones, who had a strong debut, is also questionable, further exacerbating the backcourt crisis. The Bucks, coming off a win against the Atlanta Hawks, will likely enter this rematch with a formidable lineup, making the Mavericks' prospects grim.