Morez Johnson Jr. was listed day-to-day on Dallas's Sunday injury report with a rest issue, just three days after being cleared from a previous day-to-day stint. The rookie forward is now questionable for the Mavericks' preseason game at Houston on Sunday, the second matchup against the Rockets in four days.
What happened
Johnson appeared on the Mavericks' injury report Sunday, Oct. 11, listed as day-to-day with a rest issue under the category rest and other. He had been cleared from a previous day-to-day designation on Thursday, Oct. 8, after earlier stints tied to a lower leg issue on Sept. 30 and an undisclosed issue on Sept. 28. The rookie forward played 12 minutes in Friday's 135-117 preseason loss to the Rockets, finishing with four points on 1-of-3 shooting, including 1-of-3 from three, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. His expected return is listed as Wednesday, Oct. 14.
What it means for the Mavericks
Dallas visits Houston again Sunday on NBA TV, its second meeting with the Rockets in four days after Friday's 135-117 loss. Johnson has no 2026-27 season averages yet; the Mavericks have played zero regular-season games, so there is no record to split with or without him. If he sits, Dallas leans on its established preseason rotation: Cooper Flagg (33.5 minutes, 21.0 points), Anthony Davis (31.3 minutes, 20.4 points), P.J. Washington (31.0 minutes, 14.2 points), Naji Marshall (29.5 minutes, 15.2 points), Max Christie (29.1 minutes, 12.3 points), Brandon Williams (22.2 minutes, 13.0 points), Daniel Gafford (21.7 minutes, 9.5 points) and Klay Thompson (21.7 minutes, 11.7 points).
What to watch
The Mavericks update their injury report daily, with the next one due ahead of Sunday's game at Houston. Johnson's expected return is listed as Wednesday, Oct. 14. Dallas is also tracking day-to-day issues for Marcus Sasser (hip), Dereck Lively II (foot) and Santi Aldama (knee) as the preseason schedule winds down.
Is Morez Johnson Jr. playing at Rockets?
He is day-to-day with a rest issue heading into Sunday's preseason game at Houston. A final decision for that game is not announced.
When will Morez Johnson Jr. be back?
His expected return is listed as Wednesday, Oct. 14.