What is the Dallas Mavericks' Starting Lineup?
The Mavs' starting five is currently in flux because Irving will be out until at least January 2026. Therefore, the starting lineup will look a little different.
Point Guard: Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg has quickly made an impact for the Mavericks, bringing energy, defensive intensity, and versatility well beyond his age. He’s shown the ability to guard multiple positions, make timely plays, and contribute without needing the offense to run through him. Flagg’s poise and basketball IQ have stood out, especially in high-leverage moments where he’s embraced tough assignments. Early on, he looked like a foundational piece who fits seamlessly alongside Dallas’ established stars.
Shooting Guard: Max Christie
Max Christie continues to carve out a bigger role as a reliable two-way wing, using his length and defensive instincts to impact games even when his shot isn’t falling. He’s shown improved confidence on offense, knocking down open threes and making smarter decisions with the ball. Christie’s versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, making him valuable in different lineup combinations. As his consistency grows, he’s becoming a dependable rotation piece rather than just a developmental prospect.
Small Forward: Naji Marshall
Naji Marshall steps into the starting lineup at small forward, bringing a steady two-way presence to the floor. Known for his defensive versatility and high motor, Marshall can guard multiple positions while providing secondary playmaking and slashing offense. His physicality on the wing, willingness to do the dirty work, and ability to knock down timely shots help balance the lineup and set the tone early on both ends of the court.
Power Forward: PJ Washington
PJ Washington is back and will continue to play a critical role in the starting lineup. With Flagg moving to the point, Washington is inserted into the rotation, bringing his versatile scoring and rebounding ability to the frontcourt. His presence allows the Mavericks to maintain spacing and defensive flexibility, providing stability alongside their young guards and helping balance the team’s offensive and defensive schemes.
Center Anthony Davis (Injured)
Anthony Davis returned to the Mavericks’ lineup in their recent game against the Lakers, marking his first action after a stint on the sidelines. While he’s still working back into full rhythm, Davis brings a veteran presence and interior scoring that the team has sorely missed. The focus now will be on staying healthy, as the Mavericks look to rely on his skill and leadership down the stretch of the season.
Center Daniel Gafford
With Anthony Davis sidelined due to injury, Daniel Gafford takes over as the starting center, providing much-needed rim protection and interior toughness. Gafford’s energy, shot-blocking ability, and efficiency around the basket give the lineup a strong defensive anchor, while his presence as a lob threat helps keep the offense flowing. His physical style and hustle in the paint help stabilize the frontcourt in Davis’s absence.
Who is on the Dallas Mavericks’ Bench?
Because of the injury to Irving, the Mavs may need their bench a lot more frequently this season. Currently, D'Angelo Russell and Klay Thompson are the top options off the bench. Naji Marshall and PJ Washington will also be around.
Who Is the Mavericks’ 6th Man?
At this point, Max Christie assumes the role, along with Brandon Williams. Both will have pressure on them to play heavy minutes with Irving out. Once Irving returns, D'Angelo Russell likely shifts into the sixth-man role.
Point Guard: D'Angelo Russell
D'Angelo Russell is the newest signing in town, and will be occupying the starting role on the Mavs until Irving returns. Last season, Russell averaged 12.9 points while shooting just 36.7% for the Brooklyn Nets after they acquired him in a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Mavs will need more from him, and he currently is coming off the bench.
Shooting Guard: Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson seems to be the only player who has avoided the serious injury bug. He is also one of the best shooters of all time. While he is not quite the same player he was during his "Splash Brothers" days with Stephen Curry, Thompson is still dangerous and can make any shot from beyond the arc. Expect him to be a major factor down the stretch.
Get to Know the Dallas Mavericks Front Office
Mark Cuban sold his shares, and it seemed as if he had no control over the decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Lakers. Nico Harrison assumed that responsibility, and he previously was the GM, but the Mavs recently fired him.
| Position | Staff Member |
| General Manager | N.A |
| Head Coach | Jason Kidd |
| Associate Head Coach | Frank Vogel |
Who Is the Mavericks' Head Coach?
Kidd is a Hall of Fame player turned coach. Prior to leading the Mavs, he also coached the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks and was an assistant coach on the 2020 Los Angeles Lakers team that won the NBA championship. He racked up 17,529 points and 11,801 assists over a 20-year playing career.
Who Is the Mavericks’ General Manager?
Nico Harrison was the Mavs' GM before being let go. There is currently a vacancy in the job.
Dallas Mavericks FAQs
Patrick Dumont is the controlling owner of the Dallas Mavericks. He assumed control of the Mavericks in November 2023, when he bought most of Mark Cuban's shares. Cuban had previously owned the Mavericks since 2000 and remains involved on a limited basis.
Dirk Nowitzki, Alex English, Jason Kidd, and Steve Nash are Hall of Famers who spent large portions of their careers (Nowitzki never played for anyone else) with the Mavericks. Currently, Irving, Davis, and now Cooper Flagg have a chance to make their mark.
The Mavericks' current starting lineup will feature Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, Naji Marshall, P.J. Washington, and Daniel Gifford. Kyrie Irving is dealing with an injury, but should slot back into the starting lineup when he is able to return. Anthony Davis is also out for a few weeks.
Anthony Davis is currently the leading scorer, averaging 20.4 points per game. Meanwhile, rookie Cooper Flagg has had an excellent start to his career and is averaging 18.8 points per game, while P.J. Washington is averaging 14.7 points per game.
The Mavericks signed D'Angelo Russell to give themselves depth while they await the return of Kyrie Irving. Russell is currently coming off the bench as the sixth man while the Mavs alternate who starts at point guard, with the spot currently being occupied by Cooper Flagg.
Author
Robert B. Hayek has been writing about sports for over a decade and is currently a member of the Gambling.com Group team. In his spare time, he runs the largest sports meetup group in Orange County, CA, actively participating in every sport imaginable. He is also a published author of five thriller novels, all available on Amazon.
