Klay Thompson Listed as Doubtful as Mavericks Prepare for Cavs Rematch

The Dallas Mavericks may be shorthanded when they face the Cleveland Cavaliers in a rematch Sunday, as veteran guard Klay Thompson appears unlikely to play. The Mavericks listed Thompson as doubtful on their injury report, raising questions about Dallas’ depth as the team attempts to regroup after a tough stretch of games.

Dallas enters the contest looking to bounce back after suffering a decisive 138–105 loss to Cleveland earlier in the week. The defeat highlighted some of the Mavericks’ recent struggles, as the team has dropped nine of its last ten games.

Despite the loss, rookie standout Cooper Flagg delivered a historic individual performance during the matchup. The young forward recorded his 25th game with at least 20 points, surpassing the record previously held by Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant for the most 20-point games by a teenager in NBA history.

While Flagg’s milestone drew attention, Dallas now faces the challenge of preparing for another game against Cleveland while potentially missing several key contributors. Thompson’s possible absence adds another layer of difficulty as the Mavericks try to reverse their recent slump.

1. Injury Concerns Surround Mavericks

Thompson’s status as doubtful stems from a rest designation, suggesting the Mavericks may choose to manage the veteran guard’s workload. The four-time NBA champion has been a steady presence in the lineup this season, but the team may opt for caution given its demanding schedule. Dallas is also monitoring the availability of center Daniel Gafford, who is listed as doubtful due to illness. His absence would further impact the Mavericks’ frontcourt rotation and defensive presence in the paint. Several other players remain sidelined as well. Guard Kyrie Irving is out following knee surgery, while center Dereck Lively II continues recovering from foot surgery. Forward PJ Washington is also unavailable because of ankle soreness. Meanwhile, forward Caleb Martin is listed as probable despite dealing with a finger sprain and could provide needed depth if he is cleared to play.

2. Thompson’s Season Performance

Before being listed on the injury report, Thompson had experienced mixed results in recent games. In a loss to the Atlanta Hawks earlier in the week, the veteran guard produced a solid offensive performance with 21 points. However, he struggled during the previous meeting with Cleveland. In that game, Thompson finished with six points while shooting 3-of-11 from the field and adding two rebounds. For the season, Thompson has averaged 11.8 points per game while shooting 39.2 percent from the field. He has also connected on 38 percent of his three-point attempts, continuing to provide perimeter spacing for Dallas’ offense. In addition to scoring, the veteran has contributed 2.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. While his production may not match the peak years of his career, Thompson’s experience and shooting ability remain valuable assets for the Mavericks.

3. Cavaliers Seek Momentum

While Dallas attempts to navigate its injury challenges, Cleveland enters the rematch with momentum and hopes of continuing its recent success. Led by All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers are looking to secure consecutive victories for the first time since their seven-game winning streak earlier in the season. Cleveland’s own injury report includes several notable names as well. Center Jarrett Allen is unavailable because of knee tendinitis, while guard Sam Merrill remains out due to hamstring tightness. Other players are working their way back into action. Max Strus is listed as probable as he continues recovering from foot surgery, while guards James Harden and Keon Ellis are expected to be available despite recent injuries. Additional injury concerns include Craig Porter Jr., who is out with a groin strain, and Tyrese Proctor, who is dealing with a quadriceps strain. Forward Jaylon Tyson is listed as questionable with ankle soreness. As both teams manage their respective injury lists, the upcoming rematch presents an opportunity for Cleveland to maintain its momentum while Dallas searches for answers during a challenging stretch of the season.