Mavericks Look to Hand Injured Thunder First Loss on Wednesday

In what would've been an anomaly last season, the Dallas Mavericks will enter their next game with an advantage when it comes to healthy personnel.

Dallas (2-2) hosts the Oklahoma City Thunder (4-0) on Wednesday at American Airlines Center. The Mavs are coming off a stellar performance from teenage star Cooper Flagg after missing one game with a shoulder sprain.

The Thunder, one of the NBA's most dangerous rosters with MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the controls, remain undefeated, but are a shell of the team they really could be moving forward.

This week, SGA's top running mate, Jalen Williams, suffered a gruesome lower left leg injury that will rule him out indefinitely. Williams' left ankle rolled under him as he came down from a layup attempt and his joint dislocated while fracturing his fibula.

That same night against the LA Clippers, OKC lost starter Cason Wallace to a shoulder injury, which has been ruled a torn labrum and will require surgery.

The Thunder would beat the Clips on Sunday before getting a career-high 30 points from Ajay Mitchell on Monday to beat the Phoenix Suns, 125-114.

Even their latest win did not prevent the Thunder from suffering more ailments. Center Chet Holmgren was out with tendinitis in his knee, and Oklahoma City veteran Alex Caruso left the game with a sprained ankle.

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Meanwhile for the Mavs, Flagg is coming off one of his best overall showings as a pro. The reigning Rookie of the Year poured in 29 points and dished 11 assists as Dallas beat the winless Miami Heat on the road.

Kyrie Irving added 18 points, six rebounds and six assists. The Mavs' chemistry was on full display as 31 of their 43 baskets came off assists.

“It’s a lot of fun when your two superstars are as unselfish as they are, and they show as much grace as they bring along these younger players,” coach Dusty May said postgame. “It’s been fun to be a part of and see it so far. Obviously a long way to go, but this is a very, very good win for our team.”

P.J. Washington added 20 points while newcomer Walter Clayton Jr. pitched in 15 off the bench on 6-of-7 shooting.

Dallas will need another full-team effort like that on Wednesday against the Thunder ... who have anything but a "full team".