The Dallas Mavericks are set to face the Golden State Warriors in the opening game of the NBA Emirates Cup, where Klay Thompson will return to face his former team. The game will be available on multiple streaming platforms.
The Celtics and Mavericks are meeting for the first time since last year’s NBA Finals, although neither team is currently in top form. The Mavericks have released a lengthy injury report ahead of the 5:30 p.m. Saturday game, which includes a mix of updates.
Klay Thompson (left ankle sprain) and Jaden Hardy (right ankle sprain) have both been upgraded to questionable. Thompson, who has missed the past two games, and Hardy, who has been sidelined for a week, could potentially return, offering hope for Dallas.
Meanwhile, five Mavericks players are confirmed as out: Luka Dončić (left calf strain), Dereck Lively II (right ankle stress fracture), Naji Marshall (illness), Dwight Powell (right hip strain), and Dante Exum (right wrist surgery). These absences significantly impact the team’s depth.
Dončić, sidelined since Christmas Day due to his calf injury, is set for re-evaluation soon, but his return date remains uncertain. Despite their challenges, the Mavericks hold a 24-21 record and are in seventh place in the Western Conference.
For the Celtics, Derrick White is the only starter on the injury report, listed as questionable with left knee soreness. Boston is looking to recover from a 21-point loss to the Lakers in their previous game. The Celtics, who have been inconsistent with a 7-5 record in January, remain second in the Eastern Conference at 31-14.
The Mavericks and Celtics will meet twice in the coming weeks, first in Dallas on Saturday and again in Boston on February 6.
