The Dallas Mavericks received promising news on Dante Exum's potential return as he was upgraded from "out" to "doubtful" ahead of their game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Coach Jason Kidd expressed optimism about Exum's recovery from wrist surgery, stating that he's making progress and feels good. Exum has missed 48 games this season, and his return could be imminent during the team's upcoming five-game East Coast road trip.

While Exum has been sidelined, the Mavericks have turned to key players like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to carry the offensive load. Kidd hopes to see Exum return soon, emphasizing the importance of maintaining positive days in his recovery process.

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II has been named to the Rising Stars tournament pool for the second straight season, set to take place on February 14 during NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco. Although he participated last year, Lively will not take part this season due to a right ankle stress fracture that will sideline him for at least a month.

This season, Lively has averaged 9.1 points and 7.8 rebounds while shooting an impressive 70.1%. He has already missed 15 games due to injury, adding to the 27 games he missed in his rookie season. The Mavericks' success this season has been closely tied to his availability, recording a 19-13 record when he plays.

Drafted 12th overall in 2023, Lively was acquired by the Mavericks from Oklahoma City, trading away Cason Wallace and Davis Bertans. The Rising Stars tournament format was revamped in 2022 to include top G League players alongside NBA's best rookies and sophomores. Lively joins the ranks of Mavericks greats who have previously participated in the event, including Luka Doncic, Dirk Nowitzki, and Dennis Smith Jr.

Franz Wagner is set to make his return to the Orlando Magic against the Portland Trail Blazers after recovering from a torn oblique that sidelined him for 20 games. His partnership with All-Star Paolo Banchero will be crucial as they have only played together six times this season, with Banchero also having missed significant time due to the same injury. Coach Jamahl Mosley emphasized the importance of Wagner's return, highlighting the leadership role he has established within the team.

The Magic struggled without Wagner, posting a 7-13 record during his absence, and face further challenges with both Moritz Wagner, Franz's brother, out for the season due to a knee injury, and Jalen Suggs sidelined for at least 10 games with a back strain. Prior to his injury, Wagner was a key contributor, averaging 24.4 points per game and scoring over 30 points in eight of 14 outings.

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.

Jason Kidd has confirmed the Dallas Mavericks will be without five key players, including Dereck Lively II, for their crucial matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Lively has suffered a stress fracture in his right ankle, which will keep him sidelined for at least four weeks, potentially extending to three months, according to reports. Despite earlier optimism following a sprained ankle, Lively's condition worsened after a recent game against the Denver Nuggets.

In addition to Lively, the Mavericks are also missing Luka Doncic, Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, Jaden Hardy, Dante Exum, and Dwight Powell due to various injuries. Kidd noted that while Exum's recovery is progressing with recent workouts, the team's injury woes have hindered their performance. The Mavericks currently sit seventh in the Western Conference and Kidd emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present rather than the standings.