Key players sidelined shake up Saturday's Rockets-Mavericks matchup. See who's out and how these absences will impact the game's outcome.
On Saturday, January 3, the Rockets (21-10) will head to Dallas to face off against the Mavericks (12-23).
When: Saturday, January 3 @ 7:30 PM CT
Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas
Where to watch:
Space City Home Network (local)
NBA LeaguePass (with subscription)
Subject to local blackouts
Rockets vs. Mavericks Injury Report:
Keep this list handy for tonight’s game.
Houston:
Out: Center - Steven Adams (ankle)
Out: Guard - Fred VanVleet (ACL)
Dallas:
Out: Center - Kyrie Irving (ACL)
Out: Guard - Derrick Lively II (foot)
Out: Guard - Dante Exum (knee)
On Houston’s side, Fred VanVleet remains out for the season, and the Rockets have formed a full identity without their star point guard. His sideline role continues to be mentoring and developing rising young shooter Reed Sheppard, who grows more confident every week.
Steven Adams will also sit on Saturday, due to a right ankle sprain he suffered in Monday night’s game against the Pacers. Without him, Alperen Şengün, who returned this week after a brief absence, absorbs more minutes without another true center to rest him. Houston also loses some interior physicality and rebounding margin. However, the Rockets have proven they can compensate with pace control and collective effort.
For Dallas, there isn’t much new, but the absence of core pieces continues to weigh heavily. While Irving has been out since last season, Lively’s absence is still semi-fresh. He’s been sidelined since late November due to a right foot injury that led to a season-ending surgery last month. Exum was ruled out for the season after a summer right knee surgery.
With Irving and Exum out, Dallas’ backcourt depth remains thin, forcing heavier minutes and ball-handling responsibility onto a limited rotation.