The Dallas Mavericks are one win away from crashing the 2025 NBA Playoffs but they’ll have to do it shorthanded. With a few key names sidelined and a confident Memphis Grizzlies squad standing in their way, Dallas faces a pressure-packed play-in clash on Friday night (April 18).
After torching the Sacrament Kings behind a vintage Klay Thompson outing, all eyes are now on who’s suiting up and who’s not against the Grizzlies. As the Mavs prepare for a high-stakes clash with a playoff spot on the line, their injury report might just hold the key to their fate.
Major Absences Could Shape Dallas Mavericks’ Play-In Destiny
Dallas comes into this showdown without two key names. Kyrie Irving, who tore his ACL earlier this season, is officially out for the year. The Mavericks’ offense has had to adapt in his absence, leaning heavily on recent addition Anthony Davis, who delivered big alongside Thompson against the Kings.
Another name missing from the lineup is Olivier-Maxence Prosper. He’s been ruled out for the remainder of the season following surgery to repair a right wrist injury. The sophomore’s energy and defensive versatility were missed, but Dallas has found ways to patch the gap for now.
MORE: NBA Insider Delivers Optimistic Kyrie Irving Injury Update After Season-Ending ACL Tear
There was also some concern around Brandon Williams, who was listed as questionable ahead of the Kings game but ended up suiting up. While he contributed on the floor with 17 points, the team hasn’t released an update yet on whether he’ll be available for Friday’s tilt against Memphis.
The good news is that Anthony Davis, who was also tagged as probable before the Kings game, played and played well, scoring 27 points and nine rebounds.. He and Thompson combined for 50 points in that win, giving the Mavs a much-needed jolt heading into their do-or-die contest.
All Eyes on Memphis as Mavs Seek Eighth Seed
The Grizzlies hold the season series edge, winning three of their four matchups against Dallas this year. But that was before the Mavs found their current rhythm. With Thompson regaining form—dropping 16 of his 23 points in the second quarter against the Kings and Davis anchoring both ends of the floor, Dallas suddenly looks dangerous.
Still, the margin for error is thin. The winner of Friday night’s battle will punch its ticket to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. For the loser on the other hand, the season ends right there.
Mavericks’ Injured Players: Kyrie Irving, Olivier-Maxence Prosper
Mavericks’ Healthy Roster: Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, Max Christie, Spencer Dinwiddie, Kessler Edwards, Dante Exum, Daniel Gafford, Jaden Hardy, Kai Jones, Dereck Lively, Naji Marshall, Caleb Martin, Dwight Powell, P.J. Washington
Tip-off is set for Friday, April 18, at FedExForum at 9:30 p.m. ET.