Brandon Williams joined shootaround, hinting at a possible return. His quickness could boost the shorthanded Mavericks backcourt against the Pacers.
DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks guard Brandon Williams went through the team’s morning shootaround on Wednesday and could be nearing a return as the Mavericks prepare to close their season-opening homestand against the Indiana Pacers.
Williams, who has missed recent games due to personal reasons, is listed as questionable for Wednesday night’s matchup at American Airlines Center. The 24-year-old guard went through full warmups and shooting drills, marking his most active on-court session since stepping away from the team last week.
Williams has appeared in two games this season, averaging 1.5 assists and 1.0 steal in limited minutes. His potential return would give Dallas a needed boost of depth in the backcourt as the team continues to navigate absences for Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery) and Danté Exum (right knee injury management).
In Williams’ absence, the Mavericks have relied more heavily on Jaden Hardy, who provided a strong spark off the bench in Monday’s 101-94 loss to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Hardy scored 11 points with one rebound, one assist and two steals in 21 minutes, helping fuel a fourth-quarter rally that cut a 22-point deficit to one before Dallas ultimately fell short.
“I think in desperation, you’re looking for someone to score, and Hardy did that for us,” head coach Jason Kidd said after the game. “Also, D’Lo being able to get us organized — those two did a really good job of finding the corners.”
Hardy’s performance has underscored his growing importance to the second unit, where his ability to create off the dribble and pressure opposing defenses has helped compensate for the team’s limited playmaking depth.
“When you have multiple ballhandlers, it gives us flexibility,” Kidd said. “We’ve been shorthanded, but the group is competing. We’ll keep adjusting until we get healthy.”
The Mavericks (1-3) will again be without centers Dereck Lively II (right knee sprain) and Daniel Gafford (right ankle sprain), both listed as doubtful. Anthony Davis (bilateral Achilles tendinopathy) remains probable, while rookie forward Cooper Flagg — who played through a left shoulder injury Monday — was not listed on the injury report and will be available.
Dallas hopes to finish its five-game homestand on a high note before heading on the road. The Pacers (0-3), led by Pascal Siakam’s 26.0 points, 10.3 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game, remain winless entering the matchup and will be without several key players, including Tyrese Haliburton (torn right Achilles tendon) and Bennedict Mathurin (toe sprain).