NBA Player News

Howard (calf) has been upgraded to probable ahead of Saturday's meeting with the Spurs.

Howard was listed as doubtful, but shootaround must have gone well with the upgrade to probable. He's not guaranteed minutes in the rotation, though.

Risacher (hip) is available for Saturday's game against the Spurs.

Risacher was initially listed as questionable due to hip soreness, though he was eventually upgraded to probable before being cleared to play shortly thereafter. The 21-year-old figures to see significant minutes for the shorthanded Mavericks in the second leg of this back-to-back set, and he could step into the first unit if Max Christie (shin) is downgraded from questionable to out.

Johnson (lower leg) is available for Saturday's game against the Spurs but will play on a minutes restriction, Ron Harrod Jr. of DLLS Sports reports.

Johnson will be available to play Saturday, and while he's recovered from his lower-leg injury, his minutes restriction means the Mavericks are being cautious with the rookie. Johnson has played in Dallas' first two games this season, logging 14 minutes against Houston and 17 against the Pacers while averaging 7.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per contest.

Williams (groin) is out for Saturday's game versus the Wizards, Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic reports.

This will be Williams' first missed game this season due to injury. However, he hasn't been in the rotation, so Williams' absence from the active roster won't impact fantasy leagues.

Irving is out for Saturday's game against the Spurs due to left knee injury management, Christian Clark of The Athletic reports.

The Mavericks are taking a cautious approach with Irving since he's played only a few games since returning from the ACL injury he sustained in March 2025, so it's not surprising to see him sit for rest purposes. His next chance to play will come against the Heat on Monday, and in the meantime, Marcus Sasser is expected to replace him in the backcourt against the Spurs.

Essengue (head) won't suit up for Saturday's game against the Wizards, Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic reports.

Head coach Tiago Splitter said he's holding Essengue out of Saturday's game as a precaution, so it doesn't sound like he'll be out long. His next chance to play will come Monday in Boston.

Missi has been diagnosed with a left knee bone bruise and will miss an extended period of time, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Missi currently has no official timetable for his return, but he appears likely to miss significant time. Derik Queen could be elevated into a starting role while Missi is sidelined, so make sure the former is not floating around on your waiver wire. Missi doesn't offer enough upside to warrant holding onto in redraft fantasy leagues.

Johnson (shin) is listed as probable for Saturday's game against the Spurs.

Johnson was initially listed as questionable but is now trending in the right direction ahead of tipoff. If he's cleared to suit up, the rookie would likely see increased playing time due to the Mavericks being extremely shorthanded in the second leg of this back-to-back set.

Risacher (hip) has been upgraded from questionable to probable ahead of Saturday's game against San Antonio.

Risacher was initially tagged as questionable due to right hip soreness, but the third-year pro is trending in the right direction of Saturday's contest. Cooper Flagg (shoulder) has already been ruled out, and with Kyrie Irving (knee) now doubtful, Risacher and the other Mavericks role players are in line for more responsibilities against the Spurs.

Irving (knee) has been downgraded from questionable to doubtful ahead of Saturday's game against the Spurs.

It looks like Irving will end up missing the second leg of the Mavericks' back-to-back set Saturday while managing a knee issue. Marcus Sasser figures to enter the starting lineup if Irving is indeed ruled out against San Antonio.