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Cavaliers at Mavericks: Money on the Floor, March 13, 2026
Who's playing tonight? See the real matchup.Who's playing tonight? See the real matchup.Who's playing tonight? See the real matchup.Who's playing tonight? See the real matchup.
The Mavericks are 19-35 and pivoting towards a rebuild, so this news is not a big surprise. By waiting until the 2026-27 season to return from his torn ACL, Irving will be able to take his time with his rehab to ensure that he returns at full strength. Irving is under contract for one more season with a $42.42 million player option for 2027-28.
Gafford will take his standard maintenance day on the second leg of a back-to-back set, which should result in Marvin Bagley moving into the first unit. Gafford should return for Sunday's rematch in Cleveland.
Washington's absence comes as no surprise, given that he drew the doubtful tag for Friday's game after playing in the front end of the Mavericks' back-to-back set against the Grizzlies on Thursday, when he logged 12 points, 10 rebounds, one assist and one block over 28 minutes in a 120-112 win. Khris Middleton figures to be the top candidate to enter the Mavericks' starting lineup in Washington's absence. Washington's next chance to play is in Sunday's rematch against the Cavs.
Lively sought out multiple opinions on his right foot, but it was ultimately determined that season-ending surgery was the best course of action for the third-year center, and he's expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2026-27 season. Daniel Gafford and Dwight Powell will continue to serve as the main big men for Dallas behind Anthony Davis in Lively's absence.
With Daniel Gafford (ankle) and Marvin Bagley (neck) sidelined for the second leg of this back-to-back set, Cisse saw increased playing time and even logged more minutes than starter Dwight Powell (15 minutes). Cisse was fairly productive in this one, grabbing seven boards and a game-high three blocks. The big man has just four games of eligibility left at the NBA level while on a two-way contract, so he isn't likely to suit up unless Gafford and Bagley both continue to miss time.
