Last year’s NBA finalists, the Dallas Mavericks, find themselves fighting for a play-in berth this season. Stranded at 9th, Dallas has struggled to win games in the absence of Anthony Davis, who brought in the blockbuster trade that has effectively decided their season. However, as they now push for a play-in spot, the Mavericks have found a form of late, with Davis being available for three of their last 4 games.

Rested in the back-to-back against the Knicks, Davis is now set to suit up against the Nets, for the second time in a week. He made his much-awaited return from injury at the Barclays Center on 24th March and has since seemed to go strength to strength. Regardless, the Mavericks are now 4-0 in AD’s presence, and his availability remains crucial to how the rest of the season looks.

Regardless, even as AD has been fit and improving game-by-game, he has been listed as probable for this match, according to ESPN. However, that is only the beginning of the injury issues that plague Dallas. Like AD, Caleb Martin (hip) is listed as probable for Monday’s game, while Daniel Gafford (knee) is also probable. Dereck Lively II (ankle) is questionable for the game. Meanwhile, Dante Exum (left-hand fracture) will be re-evaluated in four weeks, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper (right wrist surgery) is out for the season. Kyrie Irving (torn ACL) suffered the injury against the Kings and is out indefinitely.

The Mavericks are not the only time struggling with injuries. The Nets have also struggled to maintain momentum due to missing stars. Noah Clowney (ankle) and Day’Ron Sharpe (knee) have been ruled out for Monday’s game against the Mavericks, while Cameron Johnson (back) is questionable. Meanwhile, Cam Thomas (left hamstring) has been diagnosed with a season-ending injury.

Keeping that in mind, the Mavericks will be looking to continue their push to salvage their season. They are, after all, taking on a team that has disintegrated in the last few weeks. The Nets have lost 16 of their last 19 games in the NBA, and are only playing for pride, for the remainder of the regular season.

Nets’ depth chart

The extent of injuries means that the Nets will rely on several young players to deliver. Ziaire Williams and Cameron Johnson are the expected forwards, with Noah Clowney as the center, and Keon Johnson and Tyrese Martin as the two guards.

Mavericks’ depth chart

Even with so many injuries, the Mavericks are the favorites for this one. Anthony Davis will line up alongside PJ Washington as the forward. Spencer Dinwiddie and Klay Thompson will be the guards, with Kai Jones once again lining as the Center.

Dallas will look to capitalize on Brooklyn’s struggles and fans will be hoping to see an AD special, for the first time. Meanwhile, the Nets, fresh off a victory against the Wizards, hope to build momentum and play spoiler down the stretch. A win for Dallas would strengthen their postseason push, while Brooklyn looks to finish the season on a high note. 

The match tips off at the American Airlines Center at 8:30 PM ET, on Monday.