Dallas Mavericks forward Morez Johnson Jr. is listed as probable for Thursday's game at Minnesota with a left shin issue. His status stays day-to-day, and the injury report lists his expected return as Nov. 12.
What happened
Johnson appeared on the injury report Wednesday at 5:20 p.m. ET as day-to-day with a left lower leg issue. His status did not change from the previous report, which also had him day-to-day. The report's comment reads: "Johnson (shin) is listed as probable for Thursday's game against Minnesota." The report lists his expected return as Nov. 12, the day of that game. His leg has been on the list before. He was listed out on Monday, Nov. 9, and moved back to day-to-day the same day. On Oct. 24 he was listed day-to-day with a right lower leg issue and was later cleared.
What it means for the Mavericks
Dallas plays at the Timberwolves on Thursday at 8:00 p.m. ET on NBA TV. The Mavericks are 7-4, ninth in the standings, and have won three straight. Johnson, 20, is averaging 7.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 17.0 minutes over 10 games. Dallas is 6-4 with him and 1-0 without him. If he sits, the minutes would go to a rotation led by Cooper Flagg (34.1 minutes without him), P.J. Washington (33.7) and Kyrie Irving (30.5). Naji Marshall, Zaccharie Risacher and Daniel Gafford also see 20 or more minutes in those games. Tarik Biberovic, Dereck Lively II and Sergio de Larrea are out.
What to watch
The next injury report before Thursday's game will show whether Johnson stays probable. The report lists his expected return as Nov. 12, but the team has not announced anything beyond the probable tag. Watch his minutes if he plays, given the shin issue and his short absence earlier this week. After Minnesota, the Mavericks' schedule is not part of this update. Biberovic, Lively and de Larrea have no announced return dates.
Is Morez Johnson Jr. playing at the Timberwolves on Thursday?
He is listed as probable for Thursday's game at Minnesota, which tips at 8:00 p.m. ET. His status is day-to-day with a left shin issue, and the final call comes with the next injury report.
When will Morez Johnson Jr. be back?
The injury report lists his expected return as Nov. 12, the day of the Minnesota game. He is probable for it. No longer timeline has been announced.