Dallas Mavericks vs Portland Trail Blazers: preview and player stats (Apr 7, 2027)

Lively (foot) is listed as out for Thursday's game in Minnesota. Lively is still working his way back from foot surgery. He's reportedly trending favorably, though he should continue to be classified as week-to-week, at least until the team provides an update. While Lively remains on the shelf, Daniel Gafford is expected to stay in the starting lineup, with Morez Johnson (shin), Santi Aldama and Moussa Cisse all in line to spend time at the five when needed.

Gafford (face) won't return to Saturday's game against the Cavaliers, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports. Gafford took a shot by Thomas Bryant and exited the game after making two free throws earlier, but the center won't return. This means Morez Johnson and Santi Aldama should see more time in the frontcourt. Gafford ends the contest with 10 points (4-5 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), three rebounds and an assist across 17 minutes. His next chance to play will come Sunday against the Celtics on the second leg of a back-to-back set.

Christie (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against Cleveland. Christie was doubtful to play due to a left ankle sprain, and he will indeed be forced to sit out his second contest of the 2026-27 campaign. Expect Naji Marshall and Zaccharie Risacher to see a boost in minutes.

De Larrea (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's game at Minnesota. De Larrea hasn't played since Oct. 26 due to a right knee sprain, but he's expected to be re-evaluated soon. Still, he can be considered week-to-week until Dallas provides an update on his progress.

Biberovic (heel) is out for Thursday's game against Minnesota. Biberovic remains plagued by right heel bursitis. The rookie forward carries no timetable for his season debut.

Head coach Micah Nori said Morant met with a doctor in Los Angeles, who gave him a positive outlook on his recovery from the hamstring injury. While Nori declined to update Morant's timetable, he added Morant "may not be out for as long as we thought," Trail Blazers Insider Sean Highkin reports. Morant was initially given a four-week timetable after he suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain on Oct. 30. It sounds like he's making solid progress, though it would be surprising to see him beat that timetable given the tricky nature of hamstring injuries. Scoot Henderson will continue to start in his absence and there will be more minutes available for Jrue Holiday.

Sharpe suffered a torn meniscus in his knee and is expected to miss six months, per Shams Charania of ESPN. It's a tough blow to the Trail Blazers' depth on the wing ahead of training camp. Sharpe, who is now likely to be sidelined until after the All-Star break, had been ticketed for a reserve role behind Toumani Camara following an injury-plagued 2025-26 campaign, which saw average a career-high 20.8 points, 1.4 steals and 2.1 three-pointers per game over 50 regular-season appearances. The door is now open for Vit Krejci and Jeremy Sochan to compete for bench minutes during camp.

Krejci underwent surgery on his fractured left ankle Wednesday and will be re-evaluated in eight weeks, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com reports. Krejci suffered the ankle injury in last Wednesday's win over the Suns and is set to miss an extended period after undergoing surgery. With the 26-year-old and Ja Morant (hamstring) both on the shelf, Jrue Holiday and Sidy Cissoko should continue seeing increased minutes.

Youngblood (foot) is out for Friday's game against Sacramento. Youngblood is in line for a second straight absence due to a bone bruise in his right foot. His next opportunity to run the floor will arrive Monday in Minnesota.