The stage is set in Dallas. The Golden State Warriors visit the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center at 7:30 p.m. ET in a Western Conference matchup that carries real weight for both teams’ playoff push. But before a ball is tipped, the injury sheet is the headline: Stephen Curry is questionable with a left ankle sprain (he’s expected to play), while Kyrie Irving remains out as the Mavericks navigate one of the league’s longest injury lists.

Golden State enters at 25-20, sitting eighth in the West after a high-scoring loss to Toronto. Dallas, 18-26 and 12th in the standings, has found a groove with three straight wins. Recent form meets roster uncertainty—exactly the kind of midseason test that can swing momentum for weeks.

Warriors vs Mavericks injury report: who’s in, who’s out

According to team and league reports updated through the morning and afternoon, here’s where both teams stand:

Golden State Warriors — Out

• Jimmy Butler III — Right knee ACL tear (out for the season)
• Seth Curry — Left sciatic nerve irritation
• LJ Cryer — G League two-way assignment
• Malevy Leons — G League two-way assignment

Golden State Warriors — Questionable

• Stephen Curry — Left ankle sprain (expected to play)
• Gary Payton II — Right foot soreness
• Al Horford — Toe issue

Dallas Mavericks — Out

• Kyrie Irving — Left knee surgery recovery
• Dante Exum — Right knee surgery
• Dereck Lively II — Right foot surgery
• Anthony Davis — Left finger sprain (weeks from re-evaluation)
• Daniel Gafford — Right ankle sprain (listed as questionable in some reports)

Dallas Mavericks — Probable/Questionable

• Moussa Cisse — Illness (probable as of 3:00 p.m. update)
• Ryan Nembhard — G League assignment (probable)
• Miles Kelly — Two-way assignment (uncertain/questionable)

“If Steph plays, Dallas has to chase him off the line all night.”

Stephen Curry’s status is the swing piece for Golden State

Curry is listed as questionable with a left ankle sprain, but the expectation is he suits up. Even at less than 100 percent, his presence changes everything. He’s averaging 25.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.7 assists this season, and his gravity bends defenses, opening space for cutters and shooters.

The Warriors’ margin for error shrinks without him, especially after losing Jimmy Butler III for the season to a right ACL tear. Butler had been a stabilizing wing scorer (17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists) who could defend multiple positions. Without that option, more will fall on the shoulders of young guard Brandin Podziemski (12.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists), whose pace and feel have been bright spots.

Two more names to watch: Gary Payton II and Al Horford. Payton’s right foot soreness is a concern because his on-ball defense is vital against Dallas’ guards and wings. Horford’s toe issue affects Golden State’s size and spacing; if he can go, his screening and pick-and-pop shooting add balance to second units.

Mavericks’ next-man-up: Dallas leans on Flagg, Marshall, and Christie

Dallas is navigating a heavy injury list. Irving, Exum, and Lively II are all out, and Gafford’s ankle has him trending out on most lists (though some mark him as questionable). Anthony Davis is also sidelined, weeks from re-evaluation.

That puts the spotlight on the wings and guards suiting up. Cooper Flagg has been a two-way engine at 18.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game—big numbers for a young forward asked to create. Naji Marshall (16.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists) has brought steady scoring, and Max Christie’s 45.9% from three is a game-changer. If Dallas can spray to corners and trail threes for Christie, they can keep pace even without their top creators.

Frontcourt depth is the other key question. Moussa Cisse is probable with an illness and could soak up needed minutes at the five. Ryan Nembhard’s G League status is listed as probable, and two-way wing Miles Kelly is uncertain. Expect Jason Kidd to stretch his rotation with matchup-based stints, hunting energy and shooting.

“Mavs without Kyrie and Lively? It’s on Marshall and Christie to bomb away.”

Form guide: recent results and why they matter

The Warriors are coming off a 145-127 defeat to the Raptors, a reminder that their defense can wobble when rotations are thin and pace gets frantic. That said, they handled Dallas on December 25, a matchup that showed how their ball movement can tease open threes against the Mavericks’ help schemes. Even without Butler, that template remains: push tempo, hunt early offense, and keep the ball hopping.

Dallas has strung together three straight wins entering tonight. The streak has been built on effort and timely shooting, with role players embracing larger jobs. Even shorthanded, that kind of rhythm travels—especially at home.

Key matchups and swing factors

• Curry vs. perimeter pressure: If Steph plays, how do the Mavericks guard him? Expect switches and top-locking with extra help. But any over-help means open looks for Podziemski and the Warriors’ shooters.
• Cooper Flagg’s creation vs. Warriors’ wings: Flagg’s size and passing can punish small lineups. Golden State will try to crowd his handle and force tough kickouts.
• Three-point math: Max Christie’s 45.9% from deep is a weapon. If he hits early, Dallas can flatten runs. The Warriors will run him off the arc and test his drives.
• Boards and paint touches: Without Lively and possibly Gafford, Dallas must gang rebound. If the Warriors win the glass, they’ll control pace and second-chance scoring.
• Availability of GP2 and Horford: Payton’s defense and Horford’s spacing help Golden State close lineups. Their statuses could swing minutes, matchups, and tempo.

“GP2’s foot and Steph’s ankle—Warriors’ defense and offense hinge on them.”

What’s at stake in the West

For Golden State, a win keeps the Warriors on track in a crowded mid-table, where a two-game swing can flip home-court hopes in a play-in scenario. At 25-20, they need to bank results against shorthanded opponents, especially with tough road games ahead.

For Dallas, this is about survival and belief. The Mavericks are 18-26 but trending up with that three-game run. Beating the Warriors without Irving and key big men would be a statement that their system and shooters can carry them until reinforcements return.

Bottom line

If Curry plays, Golden State becomes the favorite because of spacing, experience, and late-game shotmaking. But the Mavericks have found a rhythm, and their shooters can keep this close. Watch the first six minutes: if Dallas wins the glass and finds Christie and Marshall for clean looks, this could go down to the final possessions. If not, the Warriors’ pace and threes may tell the story.

Either way, tonight’s game is a snapshot of January basketball: depth tested, stars managing knocks, and every possession mattering a little more than it feels. The team that protects the ball and the arc should walk out with a win.