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Mavericks at Trail Blazers: Money on the Floor, March 27, 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.
Middleton wasn't listed on the injury report throughout the day. However, he popped up due to an illness, subsequently ruling him out. His next chance to play will be Monday against the Timberwolves. While Middleton is out, Klay Thompson should receive all the minutes he can handle from off the bench.
This will be Gafford's second straight game on the sidelines, and with Monday's mathcup with Minnesota being the first of a back-to-back, it seems unlikely he'll be able to return for that one. Marvin Bagley and Dwight Powell will help pick up the slack while Gafford is out.
The veteran swingman will miss a sixth straight contest with a right plantar fascia strain. His next opportunity to play comes Monday, when the Mavericks face the Timberwolves. Klay Thompson and Khris Middleton have a clearer pathway to minutes in the absence of Martin on Friday.
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.
