The Dallas Mavericks are set to face the Oklahoma City Thunder with a significantly depleted roster due to injuries and illness. Key players ruled out include Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, Luka Doncic, Dereck Lively II, Dante Exum, Jaden Hardy, and Dwight Powell. Thompson’s left ankle sprain and Marshall’s illness add to the team’s struggles as they attempt to cope without their star player, Doncic, who is still recovering from a left calf strain incurred on Christmas Day. Kyrie Irving, however, remains healthy and is expected to play despite managing a bulging disc in his back.

The Mavericks are also contending with the absence of Lively, who is sidelined for four weeks due to an ankle issue, and Exum, who has not yet participated in the season following wrist surgery. Doncic’s return remains uncertain, as he is scheduled for reevaluation later this month. The Mavericks' depth will be tested against a Thunder team as they navigate this challenging stretch.