Dallas Mavericks: Jalen Brunson ruled out for next 5 games

Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson will not play in the next five games according to Coach Rick Carlisle. Get the latest here.

The Dallas Mavericks had a rough night on Saturday. They dropped a heartbreaking game against the Atlanta Hawks in part because of a call that drew the ire of Mavs owner Mark Cuban. Dallas was playing without Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis to start the game.

To make matters worse, Jalen Brunson was injured just seconds into the contest. He drew the start in place of Luka. Brunson drove to the basket on the opening possession and was fouled hard by Dewayne Dedmon. The Mavericks quickly ruled him out for the rest of the night with a shoulder sprain.

They were back in action on Monday night. Before the game Coach Rick Carlisle offered an update that fans can see below courtesy of Callie Caplan.

That puts Brunson out for over a week. The next game he could play in would be March 4 against the New Orleans Pelicans. That is a nationally televised game and the first matchup between Zion Williamson and Luka Doncic.

Shoulder sprains can be tricky. Do not be surprised to see JB miss additional time. It was a nasty fall that should have been called a flagrant foul.

Who steps up?

The Mavericks will be relying more on Delon Wright, Seth Curry, and J.J. Barea to fill Brunson’s role. One of those three will be tasked with leading the offense while Doncic rests. Expect some big nights from each man as Carlisle takes a committee approach to the position.

Fans will get their first glimpse on Monday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Be sure to check back to The Smoking Cuban for more on that game plus analysis on the Dallas Mavericks all year long.