Dallas' point guard woes deepen. Russell's knee injury leaves rookie Flagg to shoulder more playmaking duties amid existing backcourt absences.
MEXICO CITY — The Dallas Mavericks’ backcourt took another hit Friday when D’Angelo Russell was added to the injury report with a left knee contusion ahead of Saturday’s NBA Mexico City Game 2025 against the Detroit Pistons.
Russell, 29, sustained the injury during Wednesday’s 107–105 victory over the Indiana Pacers but played through it. He was later listed as questionable after experiencing soreness and swelling in the following days. His availability will be determined closer to tipoff at Arena Ciudad de México.
The veteran guard has played all five games this season, averaging 10.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists while providing steady perimeter scoring and playmaking.
If Russell is unable to play, Brandon Williams and two-way contract guard Ryan Nembhard become immediate options to shoulder more minutes in the backcourt.
The Mavericks remain short-handed with Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery) and Danté Exum (fractured left hand) still sidelined. Those absences have forced Dallas to rely on young guards and two-way players to manage the offense early in the season.
Russell’s uncertain status compounds the team’s growing list of injuries. Anthony Davis was ruled out for the remainder of the road trip after an MRI revealed a low-grade left calf strain, while Daniel Gafford (right ankle sprain) was upgraded to questionable as Dereck Lively II (right knee sprain) remains out.
Despite the absences, Dallas snapped a three-game losing streak with Wednesday’s victory over Indiana. Williams scored a team-high 20 points off the bench, Dwight Powell added 18 points and six rebounds, and Flagg contributed 15 points and 10 rebounds for his second career double-double.
Flagg, who has been thrust into the point guard role, said he’s learning to balance responsibility with patience.
“It’s about learning, adapting,” Flagg said. “Each game, I’m trying to get more comfortable and figure out what the team needs from me.”
Head coach Jason Kidd said the 18-year-old has earned trust with his poise and composure in late-game moments.
“For him, I think he’s getting better each time he’s in there,” Kidd said. “He makes big plays down the stretch.”
The Mavericks (2–3) will meet a Detroit team that enters off a 131–115 win over the Orlando Magic, led by Cade Cunningham’s 31 points. Jalen Duren finished with 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Tobias Harris added 23. The Pistons will be without Jaden Ivey following arthroscopic knee surgery.
Tipoff for Saturday’s NBA Mexico City Game 2025 between the Mavericks and Pistons is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST at Arena Ciudad de México.