NBA News: D’Angelo Russell, Brandon Williams Ruled Out As Dallas Mavericks Face Boston Celtics

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NBA News: D’Angelo Russell, Brandon Williams Ruled Out As Dallas Mavericks Face Boston Celtics

The Dallas Mavericks will be without two key backcourt pieces Tuesday night, further stretching an already depleted rotation ahead of their matchup with the Boston Celtics.

D’Angelo Russell and Brandon Williams were both ruled out on the updated injury report before Dallas hosts Boston at American Airlines Center. Russell is out due to illness after being downgraded earlier in the day, while Williams will miss the game with a right lower leg contusion.

Russell was not present at the Mavericks’ morning shootaround, a development that preceded his eventual ruling. He has appeared in 26 games this season, averaging 10.2 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.3 rebounds in 19.0 minutes per game while shooting 40.5% from the field and 29.5% from three-point range.

Brandon Williams’ Early Exit Left a Noticeable Void

Williams’ absence may be felt most acutely. He exited Saturday’s loss in Houston during the second quarter after a collision and was unable to return, cutting short one of his most impactful stretches of the season. Williams scored the final 10 points of the first quarter, providing pace and rim pressure that helped Dallas stabilize its offense early.

After the game, rookie Cooper Flagg pointed to Williams’ ability to inject energy and tempo as something the Mavericks struggled to replace once he was sidelined.

“B Will is a spark plug,” Flagg said. “That’s what he’s been all year for us. He comes in, brings energy, helps get our pace going. His speed, getting downhill, making plays for others — just his energy all around is something we missed, especially there in the middle of the third quarter.”

Daniel Gafford echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how Williams’ attacking mindset shaped the game’s early rhythm.

“He was attacking the basket, getting downhill, facilitating the offense, and knocking down shots,” Gafford said. “He’s one of those guys who can get frustrated if shots aren’t falling, but tonight he was ready for those moments. It just sucks to see how he went down.”

The timing of the injury is particularly damaging given Williams’ season-long production. In 43 games, he has averaged 12.6 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in 21.9 minutes per game while shooting 46.2% from the field and posting a 55.3% true shooting percentage. His ability to push tempo and attack downhill has become a steady source of offense for a team frequently searching for rhythm.

D’Angelo Russell Remains Sidelined as Trade Context Lingers

Russell’s absence extends a disjointed stretch to his season. He has played just once in 2026, logging 18 minutes in a Jan. 10 loss at Chicago — a game in which head coach Jason Kidd was ejected in the first quarter. Russell finished with eight points and four assists that night but has not logged 20 or more minutes since Nov. 19 against the New York Knicks, when he scored 23 points in 24 minutes.

Sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com to keep an eye on Russell among potential Mavericks trade candidates. While interest around the league has been described as limited, Dallas would benefit from moving his contract before he can exercise a $6 million player option for the 2026–27 season.

Dallas Mavericks Remain Short-Handed Against Boston

Russell and Williams join a lengthy list of unavailable players. Anthony Davis (left finger sprain), Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery), and Danté Exum (right knee surgery) remain out. P.J. Washington is also sidelined while in concussion protocol.

Dallas enters the matchup having lost four straight but remains within striking distance of the final play-in spot with 33 games remaining. Tipoff against Boston is scheduled for 7 p.m. at American Airlines Center.