Mavericks’ Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II listed as questionable for pivotal Suns showdown
The Dallas Mavericks face a crucial matchup against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night, with Anthony Davis (left calf sprain) and Dereck Lively II (right knee sprain) both upgraded to questionable status. Davis has been sidelined for the past six games, during which the Mavericks have struggled, managing just one victory against five losses. Meanwhile, Lively has not played since suffering his injury in the second game of the season, missing the last eight games.
Mavericks’ Injury Challenges
In addition to Davis and Lively, the Mavericks will continue to be without Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery) and Dante Exum (right knee injury management) for this crucial clash. The absence of these key players has significantly hindered the Mavericks, who find themselves at a disheartening 3-8 record. The recent struggles culminated in the dismissal of general manager and president of basketball operations Nico Harrison earlier today, reflecting the urgency for change within the organization.
Despite the challenges, there was a silver lining for Dallas. Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg showcased his potential with a career-best performance, pouring in 26 points alongside nine rebounds and four assists in a narrow 116-114 defeat against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday. However, without both Davis and Irving, the team’s scoring depth has been tested, leaving P.J. Washington as the second-leading scorer, averaging 15.5 points per game.
Suns’ Rising Momentum
On the other side of the court, the Phoenix Suns are riding a wave of momentum. The Suns have entered the game with an impressive 6-5 record and an empty injury report, aside from Jalen Green (right hamstring strain), who re-injured his hamstring during Saturday’s victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Green is expected to be re-evaluated in four to six weeks, presenting a challenge for the Suns as they navigate the early part of the season.
Despite Green’s absence, the Suns have found their rhythm, going 5-1 over their last six games. This recent success comes after a rocky start that saw them trailing by 20 points in each of their first four games. Now, they are embracing a more aggressive style, taking control early in games and delivering decisive victories. In their recent 121-98 win against the New Orleans Pelicans, Grayson Allen stood out with a career-high 42 points, showcasing the depth of talent within the roster.
Defensive Strategy and Team Growth
Suns head coach Ott emphasized the importance of a strong defensive presence and aggressive play in setting the tone for their games. “We want to set the tone with our defensive intensity, our aggression, it’s always about us,” he remarked before the game against the Pelicans. “Just keep chipping away, keep growing. It’s a group. Obviously, the lineup will be a little bit different with Jalen (Green) out now. So, yeah, just keep progressing in the right way where we want to play.”
As the Mavericks prepare for the Suns, the return of Davis and Lively could provide a much-needed boost. The stakes are high, and with the game scheduled for 6:30 p.m. MST, both teams are eager to secure a vital win that could shift the momentum of their respective seasons.
