Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans: preview and player stats

Injury/Illness - Right Foot Surgery (2026-11-12, DAL@MIN). Prior reporting (2026-11-11): 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.

Injury/Illness - Left Shin / Tibia Contusion (2026-11-12, DAL@MIN). Prior reporting (2026-11-11): Johnson (shin) is listed as probable for Thursday's game against Minnesota. Johnson is expected to return from a one-game absence due to a left shin contusion. The rookie's return would leave fewer minutes available for the likes of Santi Aldama and Caleb Martin.

Injury/Illness - Right Knee Sprain (2026-11-12, DAL@MIN). Prior reporting (2026-11-11): 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.

Injury/Illness - Right Heel Bursitis (2026-11-12, DAL@MIN). Prior reporting (2026-11-11): 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.

Injury/Illness - Right Thumb Splint (2026-11-12, DAL@MIN).

Murphy (knee) is listed as out for Wednesday's game against the Nets. Murphy will miss a second consecutive game due to a knee issue. His next opportunity to get back on the court will come Friday against the Grizzlies. While Murphy remains on the shelf Wednesday, Saddiq Bey could stay in the starting lineup.

Missi (knee) is out for Friday's game against Minnesota. Missi has been sidelined since picking up his injury Oct. 23. He remains without a timetable to return.

Mathurin has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Nets due to a right thumb sprain. Mathurin wasn't listed on the initial injury report, and the extent of the issue remains unclear. While he's not a major part of the regular rotation, Mathurin, Trey Murphy and Trendon Watford are all expected to be unavailable Wednesday, opening the door for Saddiq Bey, Herbert Jones and potentially Jordan Poole to play more minutes.

Watford (ankle) is out for Wednesday's game against the Nets. Watford continues to nurse a right ankle sprain. The forward lacks a concrete timetable for a return to the floor.