Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart for Jan. 3 | 2024-25 NBA Season

As we enter 2025, NBA matchups are coming thick and fast, with the Dallas Mavericks and Cleveland Cavaliers set to lock horns in what promises to be an intriguing encounter on Friday. The contest at the American Airlines Center in Dallas will tipoff at 8:30 p.m. ET.

The Cavs are flying this season and hope to capitalize on Luka Doncic-less Mavs’ deteriorating form to extend their stellar winning run. The Dallas outfit, meanwhile, will be hoping to bounce back after several disappointing results the previous week.

The increasingly impressive Cavs won their eighth straight league game on New Year’s Eve, beating the LA Lakers, thanks to all-round performances from Jarrett Allen, Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. In fact, the Eastern Conference leaders have only lost one of their last 13 outings, and that was against the Miami Heat. So, they should be full of confidence going into this game.

Meanwhile, the Mavs have encountered a bump in the road in the absence of star guard Doncic in what has otherwise been a smooth season. They've only won once since Doncic's injury and are currently on a three-game losing streak.

All three losses have come on the road, so a win here would get them right back on track. However, facing the Cavs hasn't been a particularly pleasant matchup for them in recent years following a run of five losses in their previous six meetings.

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Dallas Mavericks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart for Jan. 3

Dallas Mavericks Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart

Mavs coach Jason Kidd won't be able to call upon Luka Doncic, who has a calf injury, which will keep him out for two more weeks. However, caution remains over two key players ahead of the Cavs game. Both PJ Washington (knee) and Maxi Kleber (right oblique strain) are listed as questionable, and their status will likely be determined closer to tip-off.

Kidd isn't likely to shuffle the lineup much, with P.J. Washington, Dereck Lively II, Kyrie Irving, Spencer Dinwiddie and Klay Thompson expected to start.

Point Guards	Spencer Dwinwiddie	Jaden Hardy	Maxi Kleber
Shooting Guards	Kyrie Irving	Quentin Grimes	Luka Doncic
Small Forwards	Klay Thompson	Naji Marshall	Olivier-Maxence Prosper
Power Forwards	P.J. Washington	Markieff Morris	Dante Exum
Centers	Dereck Lively II	Daniel Gafford	Dwight Powell

Cleveland Cavaliers Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart

In contrast, the Cavs medical room remains largely unoccupied, with forward Isaac Okoro remaining sidelined due to a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder. He's making progress in his recovery, although no clear timeline has been set for his return to action.

Meanwhile, Sam Merrill is listed as questionable. The 28-year-old guard is currently dealing with some ankle pain and played only eight minutes off the bench against the Lakers.

Kenny Atkinson is likely to stick with the usual starting lineup of Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell.

Poing Guards	Darius Garland	Caris LeVert	Ty Jerome
Shooting Guards	Donovan Mitchell	Sam Merrill
Small Forwards	Max Strus	Dean Wade	Jaylon Tyson
Power Forwards	Evan Mobley	Georges Niang
Centers	Jarrett Allen	Tristan Thompson

Fans can watch the matchup on FanDuel Sports Network - Ohio, KFAA, MavsTV and NBA League Pass.