Mavericks Upgrade Morez Johnson Jr. to Probable Against Timberwolves

The Dallas Mavericks listed rookie Morez Johnson Jr. as probable for their Thursday, November 12, matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves, a change after he missed Monday’s game against the Indiana Pacers because of shin splints. The ninth overall pick has been managing the issue throughout the season, limiting his athleticism.

Dallas enters the game at 7-4 after winning back-to-back games against Brooklyn and Indiana. The matchup begins a stretch of three games in four days for the Mavericks.

Minnesota has gone 5-2 since star Anthony Edwards underwent knee surgery after appearing in four games this season. Edwards is out for Thursday’s game. Donte DiVincenzo is also unavailable as he continues recovering from a torn right Achilles suffered in last season’s playoffs; the team is confident he could return later in the season.

Caleb Martin is available despite a right thumb sprain. Joan Beringer, who has worn a face mask in recent games while recovering from a nasal fracture, is also available. Sergio De Larrea remains out with a right knee sprain, while Dereck Lively II is sidelined following foot surgery 11 months ago, with no recovery timetable provided. Tarik Biberovic is out with right heel bursitis.

If Johnson plays, Dallas coach Dusty May will have another frontcourt option against Minnesota center Rudy Gobert. The team could use Santi Aldama more to draw Gobert away from the basket, or give Johnson a larger role for his defensive hands.