The Mavericks (5-12) finally got a breather in the win column last night, taking down the Pelicans in their NBA Cup clash. Memphis (5-11) strolls in fresh after smacking the Kings on Thursday. But before Mavs fans could even enjoy that little glow-up, Saturday’s matchup dragged them right back into the same old episode of Who’s Not Playing Tonight? And tonight’s star guest, D’Angelo Russell.

Underdog NBA dropped the update everyone was waiting on and kind of dreading, confirming, “D’Angelo Russell (illness) ruled out Saturday.”

That marks his second straight game stuck on the sideline, which quietly leaves the door wide open for Jaden Hardy. He already took advantage against the Pelicans, tossing in 11 points in just 14 minutes as a quick-hit spark off the bench. Russell’s next

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