Mavericks Face Injury Crisis Ahead of Key Matchup Against Sixers

Dallas, TX – The struggling Dallas Mavericks, with a record of 22-44, face an uphill battle on Sunday as they host the Philadelphia 76ers at noon, marking a crucial game amidst their ongoing injury crisis.

The Mavericks now find themselves in a precarious situation after guard Dante Exum suffered a fractured wrist in the first quarter of their last match, effectively ending his season. This injury further complicates their roster, which needs a minimum of eight healthy players to compete. The Mavericks currently sit at 10-22 in away games, and the pressure is mounting for them to field a competitive team.

With two-way players Kessler Edwards and Brandon Williams nearing their limitations, the roster depth is in jeopardy. Due to salary cap apron restrictions, the Mavericks are unable to sign a veteran minimum contract until April 10 and have already surpassed the deadline for adding new two-way players. This predicament sets the stage for a dramatic contest against the 76ers, particularly as they prepare for an upcoming game against the Brooklyn Nets on March 24.

Edwards, who can only participate in three more games, poses a significant concern for the Mavericks. Whether they can manage to field a full squad against the Nets remains uncertain, especially given the immediate challenge presented by the 76ers.

In a different narrative, the trade involving Quentin Grimes could typically be criticized as a major blunder for the Mavericks; however, his performance with the 76ers has forced a reevaluation. Acquired in exchange for Caleb Martin, Grimes has emerged as a pivotal player since being traded. At just 24 years old, his remarkable play in March, where he is averaging 26 points, demonstrates the potential he could have brought to the Mavericks alongside their young talent.

Currently, Grimes has provided the much-needed spark to a struggling 76ers team, bolstering their competitiveness when faced with their own challenges, including a lackluster roster filled with expensive contracts. There are concerns about his availability for the upcoming game against the Pacers, intensifying the competitive edge Dallas might wish they had retained by keeping him.

As the Mavericks prepare for their next game, there are only 13 contests left in what has been a tumultuous season, leaving fans eager for a positive highlight amid the chaos. In lighter news, retired Mavericks legends Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki were seen enjoying the 2025 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, a positive reminder of past successes as they navigate through challenging times for the current team.

While this matchup against Philadelphia was initially scheduled as a nationally televised game, it will still be available at noon on local channels, including KFAA and MavsTV, as the team looks to overcome adversity on their path to recovery.