Injury-Riddled Kings and Mavericks Set for Pivotal NBA Showdown
The Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks are scheduled to meet on February 26, 2026, in a game heavily impacted by injuries to key players from both teams. The outcome will largely depend on roster availability and how each side adjusts its rotation strategies to compensate for missing personnel.
Sacramento Kings vs Dallas Mavericks Injury Report (February 26, 2026)
The Sacramento Kings are significantly affected by injuries, with most of their regular starters unavailable. They will be without Dylan Cardwell, De’Andre Hunter, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis, and Russell Westbrook. Malik Monk is listed as questionable due to an ankle issue, placing increased scoring responsibility on DeMar DeRozan and Devin Carter.
The Dallas Mavericks also face injury challenges but retain more of their primary contributors. Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, and P.J. Washington are confirmed out. Daniel Gafford is doubtful with an ankle injury, while Khris Middleton is probable to play despite a shoulder concern.
Available Players and Team Rotations
Sacramento’s available roster includes guards Russell Westbrook, Devin Carter, Malik Monk, and DeMar DeRozan. Forwards consist of Keegan Murray, Nique Clifford, De’Andre Hunter, and Zach LaVine, with centers Domantas Sabonis and Dylan Cardwell supported by depth options like Dario Saric, Dennis Schroder, and Drew Eubanks.
Dallas maintains a more functional rotation with guards Kyrie Irving, D’Angelo Russell, Klay Thompson, Jaden Hardy, and Brandon Williams. Forwards include Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg, Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, and Caleb Martin, while centers feature Dereck Lively II and Moussa Cisse.
Season Performance and Statistical Analysis
The Sacramento Kings hold a record of 13-47, placing them last in the Western Conference. They average 110.1 points, 41.4 rebounds, and 25.1 assists per game, while allowing 121.1 points defensively. Their shooting percentages stand at 46.1% from the field and 33.8% from three-point range.
The Dallas Mavericks are 21-36 and rank fourth in the Southwest Division, having lost their last four consecutive games. Anthony Davis remains their primary interior option, but the team struggles on the road with a 7-20 record.
Previous Meeting and Key Matchup Dynamics
Dallas leads the all-time series against Sacramento with a record of 104-84. Their most recent encounter on January 7 resulted in a narrow 100-98 victory for Dallas, secured by a decisive three-pointer from Brandon Williams. Cooper Flagg scored 20 points in that game but will be absent in this matchup.
Sacramento will heavily rely on DeMar DeRozan for offensive production, while Dallas will depend on Anthony Davis inside and Klay Thompson on the perimeter. Sacramento’s defense, which allows 36.5% shooting from three-point range, could pose significant challenges against Dallas’s perimeter attack.
Expected Outcome and Game Prediction
Both teams are dealing with multiple player absences, but Dallas holds a distinct advantage with more of their core group available. This provides them with better balance and depth in their current lineup.
While Sacramento may remain competitive through efforts from DeRozan and Carter, Dallas’s superior roster stability is likely to enable them to control the game and secure a victory. The matchup underscores the critical impact of injuries on team performance in the NBA.
