Dallas Mavericks: Tim Hardaway Jr. (ankle) out vs. Kings

The Dallas Mavericks needed Tim Hardaway Jr. to step up when they faced the Detroit Pistons on April 29. Luka Doncic and Dorian Finney-Smith were rested in the game, and Kristaps Porzingis exited in the third quarter with knee soreness. Dallas needed someone to step up down the stretch of a close game, and THJ delivered. He finished with a career-high 42 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter to help Dallas to a win.

Hardaway Jr. hit a couple of key shots in the final period against the Washington Wizards on Saturday night to help Dallas move into fifth in the Western Conference. They still need wins down the stretch to avoid the play-in tournament. They are just one game up on the Portland Trail Blazers for seventh at the start of action on May 2. Fans can get the details of the play-in here.

The Mavericks schedule is jam-packed. They played 16 games in April alone. Dallas has nine games remaining over the final 15 days of the regular season. Coach Rick Carlisle and the organization are trying to find ways to give their players rest and keep them fresh. THJ’s day off is coming on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings.

Tim Hardaway Jr. out as Dallas Mavericks host Sacramento Kings

The Mavs are listing him out with an ankle injury, but they are just getting him a breather amid this unheard of stretch of games. Kristaps Porzingis is also out on Sunday night, so the Mavericks will have to do look to grab a win short-handed versus the Kings.

This is only the second game Hardaway Jr. has missed this season. Coach Carlisle called him “our ironman” after his career-high night in Detroit. Hardaway Jr. needs a rest, so he is ready for the final eight of the regular season and the playoffs.

Expect Jalen Brunson and Trey Burke to play his minutes on Sunday night. Burke has been outstanding since jumping back into the rotation on April 26. Luka Doncic will be leading the show as the Dallas Mavericks look for their fourth straight and first win against the Kings this season. Do not miss it.