Injury-Plagued Mavericks and Pacers Set for NBA Clash on February 22, 2026
The Dallas Mavericks will face the Indiana Pacers on February 22, 2026, in what promises to be an intriguing NBA matchup despite both teams occupying the lower tiers of their respective conferences. With the Mavericks sitting at 19-35 (12th in the Western Conference) and the Pacers at 15-42 (15th in the Eastern Conference), this game features two franchises navigating challenging seasons.
Extensive Injury Reports for Both Squads
Dallas Mavericks Injury Concerns: The Mavericks continue to be without star guard Kyrie Irving, who is out for the season with a knee injury. Additionally, forward Cooper Flagg remains sidelined with a left foot sprain and is not expected to return before February 24. The team lists three players as questionable: Daniel Gafford (right ankle), Caleb Martin (ankle), and Max Christie (left ankle sprain).
Indiana Pacers Injury Woes: The Pacers face even more significant absences, with All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton out for the season with an Achilles injury. They also list four rotation players as out: Johnny Furphy (ACL tear), Aaron Nesmith (ankle), Obi Toppin (foot stress fracture), and Ivica Zubac (left ankle sprain). Game-time decisions include Pascal Siakam (hamstring) and T.J. McConnell (hamstring).
Projected Rotations and Key Players
With multiple starters unavailable, both teams will rely heavily on their remaining veterans and younger players. For Dallas, the offensive burden will fall on Klay Thompson and Khris Middleton, while Tyus Jones will handle primary ball-handling duties. Their frontcourt rotation will feature Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford (if available), P.J. Washington, and Marvin Bagley III.
Indiana's offense could be led by Andrew Nembhard and possibly T.J. McConnell, with Jarace Walker needing to provide additional scoring if Pascal Siakam is unable to play. The Pacers' big man rotation includes Walker, Micah Potter, and Jay Huff.
Head-to-Head History and Statistical Analysis
Recent history between these teams has been competitive, with Indiana winning four of the last five meetings over the past three seasons. Their most recent encounter on October 29, 2025, saw Dallas emerge victorious with a narrow 107-105 win.
Statistical comparisons reveal interesting dynamics: Dallas averages approximately 107.8 points per game (ranking 30th in the league) while allowing 114.4 points (24th). Indiana scores more generously at 121.7 points per game (27th) but surrenders a league-worst 134.0 points per game. This combination suggests a potentially fast-paced game with defensive vulnerabilities on both sides.
Key Factors to Watch
For Dallas: How the Mavericks compensate for missing their primary shot creators (Irving and Flagg) will be crucial. The team's ability to generate offense through Thompson and Middleton, combined with Jones' playmaking, will determine their scoring output. Frontcourt availability, particularly Gafford's status, will significantly impact their interior defense.
For Indiana: The Pacers must find ways to generate offense without Haliburton's elite playmaking. Siakam's availability could be the difference-maker, as his absence would place enormous pressure on Nembhard and McConnell to orchestrate the offense. Defensive discipline will be critical against a Dallas team that, while offensively challenged, can exploit defensive lapses.
This matchup ultimately presents a test of depth and adaptability for two injury-riddled squads. While both teams have struggled this season, their recent competitive history and statistical profiles suggest an entertaining, potentially high-scoring affair that could come down to which team better manages its personnel limitations.
