Dallas Mavericks: Tim Hardaway Jr. misses game in Oklahoma City

Dallas Mavericks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. was sidelined with a hamstring injury for the Dec. 31 game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Here is the latest.

The Dallas Mavericks were on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder on New Year’s Eve. Oddly, it was the third straight year they played them over the holiday. The Mavs were missing two of their starters for that contest.

Tim Hardaway Jr. was ruled out well in advance of tipoff. He suffered a hamstring injury on Dec. 29. There was some optimism surrounding the injury, but THJ was forced to miss Tuesday’s game. Kristaps Porzingis was scratched just minutes before the start with knee soreness as well.

Let us take a closer look at all the latest news on the injury to Hardaway Jr.

Shooting pregame

Tim Hardaway Jr. traveled to Oklahoma City and was on the court shooting prior to tipoff. Brad Townsend shared a video that fans can see here.

That is a positive sign, but hamstring injuries are always tricky. Pushing a player too hard could result in a setback or re-injury. That could mean significant time on the sidelines for Hardaway Jr. Expect the Mavericks to be cautious in the days ahead.

Coach Carlisle mentioned that he will be day-to-day going forward.

Brunson starts, but not set

Jalen Brunson earned his eighth start of the season in place of THJ. Coach Carlisle was quick to point out that may not always be the case in his pregame comments, though.

Fans should not be surprised by that. The Mavs have a plethora of options to start in the backcourt next to Luka Doncic. Seth Curry gives them elite shooting. J.J. Barea can handle the ball and get easy buckets. Brunson is also a playmaker with a plethora of skills. Coach Carlisle should mix and match based on which player fits best.

The Dallas Mavericks return home for a six-game homestand now. They face the Nets on Thursday before hosting Charlotte on Saturday. Those are the next two chances for Tim Hardaway Jr. to play.

The Smoking Cuban will continue providing Dallas Mavericks fans with updates on his injury plus plenty more on the team, so please check back with us regularly.