Morez Johnson Jr. was added to the Mavericks' injury report Monday as day-to-day with an undisclosed issue. The rookie forward's status leaves Dallas without clarity on his availability for the season opener against the Rockets.
What happened
Morez Johnson Jr. appeared on the injury report Monday, Sept. 28 at 6:23 PM ET listed as day-to-day. The issue is undisclosed, classified under "other," and there is no previous status on record. The report lists an expected return date of Oct. 9. Its comment notes that Johnson enters his rookie campaign after Dallas selected him ninth overall in the 2026 NBA Draft.
What it means for the Mavericks
Dallas next plays the Rockets on Friday, Oct. 9. The Mavericks have not played a regular-season game yet, so there is no record or season line to measure Johnson's absence against, and no season averages exist for him. If he sits, forward minutes fall to the rotation already in place: P.J. Washington logged 31.0 minutes and 14.2 points, Naji Marshall 29.5 minutes and 15.2 points, and Cooper Flagg 33.5 minutes and 21.0 points. Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson round out the frontcourt and wing depth.
What to watch
The next injury report will show whether Johnson's day-to-day tag changes ahead of the opener. His expected return is listed as Oct. 9, the same date as the Rockets game. Dallas will need clarity before that outing, and no further games beyond it are listed.
Is Morez Johnson Jr. playing vs Rockets?
Not announced. He is listed day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, and the injury report lists his expected return as Oct. 9, the date of the Rockets game, but he has not been confirmed available.
When will Morez Johnson Jr. be back?
The injury report lists an expected return date of Oct. 9. No further update has been announced.