The Dallas Mavericks are facing a tough challenge ahead of their January 23, 2025 matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Several key players, including Luka Dončić (calf strain), Klay Thompson (ankle injury), and Dereck Lively II (foot fracture), are confirmed to be out. Additionally, Dante Exum (wrist), Dwight Powell (hip), Jaden Hardy (ankle), and Naji Marshall (illness) will also miss the game, according to AM 1300 The Zone.
On the Thunder side, they’ll be missing players like Ajay Mitchell (toe injury), Nikola Topić (ACL injury), Isaiah Hartenstein (calf injury), and Chet Holmgren (hip injury).
With both teams dealing with injury woes, the Mavericks are likely to lean on Kyrie Irving to take charge in Dončić’s absence. The New York Post notes that “P.J. Washington has been performing well, averaging 16.4 points and 8.9 rebounds over the past 21 games without Dončić.”
Despite their injuries, the Thunder have continued to perform well this season, with AM 1300 The Zone highlighting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as a standout, noting that he continues to average “32 points per game.”
This matchup gives emerging players a chance to step up and contribute, making it a game full of potential surprises as both teams navigate their injury difficulties.
