Walter

Clayton

Christie exited Monday’s loss to the Kings during the first quarter and did not return. While Walter Clayton Jr.'s playing time increased, the Mavericks were also without Kyrie Irving (knee). With Kyrie off the injury report, Clayton’s minutes will likely decrease.

No Kyrie Irving (knee) led to Clayton playing rotation minutes on Monday, and he took advantage of the opportunity. Shooting 3-of-4 from the field, the second-year guard scored nine points in the first half. After Max Christie was ruled out with a hip injury, Clayton entered the lineup to start the third quarter. Whether he has value for Wednesday’s game against the Spurs will depend on Irving’s and Christie’s availability.

Christie played eight minutes before leaving Monday’s game with a right hip injury. Walter Clayton Jr. replaced him to start the third quarter, and Christie’s absence may also free up minutes for Marcus Sasser.

Initially questionable for Friday’s game, Marshall is on track to return after a two-game absence. Marcus Sasser (22 minutes), Walter Clayton Jr. (15 minutes), and Caleb Martin (14 minutes) all played rotation minutes in Wednesday’s win over the Thunder. Their playing time may decrease if Marshall is cleared to play.

This will be a second straight absence for de Larrea, who exited early from Monday’s win over Miami. Walter Clayton Jr. and Marcus Sasser should continue to be the guard options off the bench behind Kyrie Irving.

Marshall has missed the Mavs’ last two games with an illness and is in danger of missing a third. In that scenario, Marcus Sasser, Walter Clayton Jr. and Caleb Martin would all continue to take on a few extra minutes off the bench.

Marshall is now expected to miss a second straight game with this illness, which opened the door for Sergio de Larrea to take on extra minutes prior to his exit with a knee sprain and for Walter Clayton Jr. to play a role after that. Clayton should be able to play a few extra minutes off the bench with Marshall likely out.

De Larrea sprained his right knee during Monday’s win over the Heat and did not return. Walter Clayton Jr. played 17 minutes against Miami and was productive; that may earn him rotation minutes again on Wednesday.

Sergio de Larrea had been playing well off the bench for Dallas, but he exited early from this game with a knee injury. Instead of Marcus Sasser stepping up, Clayton ended up seeing a bump in minutes and took full advantage. If de Larrea remains out against the Thunder on Wednesday, Clayton could end up filling out the backup point guard minutes.

As expected, Irving will not suit up for the Mavericks contest against the Spurs on a second leg of a back-to-back. Marcus Sasser will get the start at point guard.