One of those players missing in those games was Klay Thompson. Thompson has missed the last two games with a sprained left ankle, but he entered Saturday's contest as questionable to play against the Boston Celtics.
The Dallas Mavericks will play their fourth and final matchup of the season against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, with both teams playing on the second night of a back-to-back. Both teams are also dealing with hefty injury reports, with 12 players total out for this matchup.
For MFFLs who can stomach keeping track, that’s three Dallas centers lost to injury in an 11-day span: Dereck Lively II, Dwight Powell and Kleber. The Mavericks’ season-long “next man up” mantra is being tested at a mind-boggling rate and proportion.
Thompson officially reached the 16,000-point mark when Dallas faced the Denver Nuggets at American Airlines Center. The veteran was key to a hot start for the Mavericks, going 5-for-7 from the field and 4-for-5 from 3-point range as Dallas raced out to a comfortable first-half lead.
Thompson (ankle) is available for Saturday's game versus the Celtics but will be limited to around 24-25 minutes, Grant reports.
Eight players are on the injury report for the Mavericks' game against the Timberwolves, including Klay Thompson and Dereck Lively II.
Klay Thompson was a cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors dynasty, helping them secure 4 NBA Titles. However, his departure from the franchise this offseason marked the end of an era – one riddled with loyalty questions in its final stages.
The Dallas Mavericks will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in a regular season matchup on Wednesday. Ahead of the game, eight Mavericks players, including Klay Thompson, appear on the injury report, though Kyrie Irving is confirmed to play against Minnesota.
Harrison is pleased with what Thompson has provided so far, but says Dallas will truly benefit from having the veteran in the playoffs.
Mavericks guard Klay Thompson reached 16,000 points but doesn't understand how LeBron James has over 40,000 points.
Klay Thompson is listed as questionable for the Dallas Mavericks' matchup against the OKC Thunder on Thursday. The four-time NBA champion's participation will be a game-time decision.