Mavericks Host Kings in Thursday Matchup

Dallas favored by 6.5 points as both teams deal with key injuries

Feb. 26, 2026 at 6:21pm

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The Dallas Mavericks host the Sacramento Kings on Thursday in a matchup of two teams dealing with significant injuries. The Mavericks are 12th in the Western Conference at 21-36, while the Kings have the worst record in the NBA at 13-47. With Cooper Flagg, P.J. Washington, and Daniel Gafford out for Dallas, and Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and Keegan Murray sidelined for Sacramento, the game features depleted rosters on both sides.

Why it matters

This game has major implications for the NBA Draft lottery, as the Kings are actively tanking to improve their chances of landing a top pick. The Mavericks, meanwhile, are looking to build momentum despite their injuries as they try to climb up the Western Conference standings.

The details

The Mavericks will lean on Naji Marshall, Max Christie, and Brandon Williams to provide scoring with Flagg out, while Marvin Bagley should start at center with Gafford doubtful. For the Kings, veterans Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan will see heavy usage, but the team is likely to limit their minutes given the back-to-back situation and their desire to lose games. Rookies Maxime Raynaud and Nique Clifford are expected to see extended playing time for Sacramento.

  • The Mavericks and Kings meet for the third time this season on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
  • The Kings are playing their second game in two nights after losing to the Rockets on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Cooper Flagg

The Mavericks' rookie sensation and frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game, is sidelined with a foot injury.

Marvin Bagley

The former lottery pick was recently acquired by the Mavericks at the trade deadline and is coming off a 22-point outing against the Nets, along with back-to-back double-doubles.

Domantas Sabonis

The Kings' All-Star big man is out for the season with a knee injury.

Zach LaVine

The Kings' other star player is also done for the season with a finger injury.

Keegan Murray

The Kings' promising rookie suffered an ankle injury in the team's loss to the Rockets on Wednesday and is unlikely to play on Thursday.

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What they’re saying

“While the depleted Mavericks are nothing to brag about, they are at home tonight and still the more competent team than this Kings squad that is likely to be unmotivated after getting blown out in Houston last night.”

— Alex Hunter, Sports Analyst (draftkings.com)

What’s next

The Mavericks will look to build on their recent back-to-back road wins, while the Kings will try to avoid another blowout loss as they continue their tanking efforts.

The takeaway

This game features two teams dealing with significant injuries, but the Mavericks appear to be the more competent squad and should be able to take advantage of a Kings team that is likely unmotivated after a recent blowout loss.