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: RJ Nembhard
After being inserted into the starting lineup in place of D'Angelo Russell and others, Nembhard delivered a breakout performance: in a road win over the Denver Nuggets, he erupted for 28 points and 10 assists without a single turnover, going an absurdly efficient 12‑of‑14 from the field (4‑of‑5 from beyond the arc) and helping lead Dallas to a 131–121 victory.
Shooting Guard: Cooper Flagg
The top pick in the NBA Draft will be ready to play. After demonstrating what he could do at Duke University, Flagg will be in the starting lineup from the onset, and will benefit from playing with veteran stars who could move the basketball with ease while also utilizing his skills.
Small 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.
Power Forward: Anthony Davis
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
Daniel Gafford has settled into a key role for the Dallas Mavericks in 2025–26, averaging 9.8 points per game while also shooting 61.5% from the field. After signing a new contract extension this offseason, he remains an important anchor of Dallas’s frontcourt. When he is healthy, he provides a steady interior defensive prescience.
Injured
Power Forward/Center Dereck Lively II
Dereck Lively II has had a tough start to the 2025–26 season, largely due to lingering issues with his right foot and knee. After undergoing offseason surgery in July 2025 to remove bone spurs from his right foot, he was expected to be ready for training camp. The Mavs recently announced he will miss at least a few games as they evaluate swelling and discomfort in the same right foot. It has hindered what he could become this season.
Who is on the Dallas Mavericks’ Bench?
Because of the injury to Irving, the Mavs may need their bench a lot more 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 is the Mavs' GM. Harrison is a former Nike executive who spent 19 years at the company and grew close to several NBA players before he moved into a front-office role with the Mavs in 2021.
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 RJ Nembhard Jr., Cooper Flagg, P.J. Washington, Anthony Davis, and Daniel Gafford. Dereck Lively II, and Kyrie Irving are both dealing with injuries, but should slot into the lineup when they are healthy.
With the season underway, there is no leading scorer. Anthony Davis is expected to hold the fort down and be the leading scorer while Kyrie Irving is out, while rookie Cooper Flagg could also emerge as a top scorer in this starting lineup.
The Mavericks signed D'Angelo Russell to give themselves depth while they await the return of Kyrie Irving. Russell will slot into the starting lineup while Irving is out, and could become a big-time player down the stretch if the team stays healthy.
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.
