Nets-Mavericks Injury Report: Brooklyn Could Have Key Paint Advantage

Dallas will be without key rotation players in the frontcourt, giving Brooklyn a slight advantage inside the arc.

Mar 31, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Tyrese Martin (13) and Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Brooklyn Nets at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Brooklyn Nets are back from a lengthy break due to the NBA Cup schedule, set to take on the Dallas Mavericks in Texas tonight at 8:30 p.m. ET. Coming off a 119-101 win against the New Orleans Pelicans last week, the Nets are riding some momentum, having won three of their last four games.

As for the Mavericks, they have also been finding victories as of late, having won four of their last five. After starting the season in the basement of the NBA, Dallas has climbed back to the 10th seed in the Western Conference amid the return of Anthony Davis.

Davis will be a go for tonight's matchup, but the Mavericks could be without two key centers, giving the Nets a slight advantage in the paint. Dereck Lively II will undergo season-ending foot surgery, which keeps him out of the game. As for Daniel Gafford, their other bruiser in the paint, he is doubtful with an ankle injury.

This bumps Davis to the center position, while the Nets will have everyone healthy except for Cam Thomas (hamstring) and Haywood Highsmith (knee). Ben Saraf will not play due to a G League assignment, but the promising frontcourt duo of Danny Wolf and Nic Claxton will take the floor once again.

With Lively and Gafford (most likely) out, Brooklyn will have some relief inside the arc, as the team is allowing 53.5 paint points per game (24th). The Mavericks are even lower, ranking dead last with 55.6 points per game, and with two big men injured, the Nets could take full advantage.

When looking at both rotations, Brooklyn actually matches up pretty well, especially regarding forwards and centers. The Nets' starting frontcourt has an average height of just over 6-foot-10, while their backup big men are 6-foot-10 and 6-foot-11, respectively.

On the Mavericks' end, they'll be a little smaller with Davis being the only rotation player above 6-foot-9; however, Dwight Powell could get serious minutes with Gafford and Lively sidelined.

Brooklyn's guards are also noticeably taller, with Egor Demin, Terance Mann and Drake Powell towering over Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams. The key will be stopping Cooper Flagg, who has been on a roll as of late. The rookie sensation is averaging 20.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and a block per game in December.

The Nets are not expected to win this game, but the injury reports bode in their favor. If Brooklyn can win on the road, it would be a major statement on how it's developing.