Kamal Ghorui
The Dallas Mavericks play the Milwaukee Bucks on March 31, 2026. This game comes late in the season, when teams are either pushing for a better position or just trying to finish strong. Dallas is near the bottom of the Western Conference, while Milwaukee is still trying to stay in the race in the East.This matchup looks different from what people would expect. Many key players are injured on both sides. Because of that, the game will depend more on role players and how well each team adjusts during the game.
Dallas Mavericks roster breakdown (2025-26 core rotation)
Dallas Mavericks have built their team around Cooper Flagg. They also have experienced players like Klay Thompson and P.J. Washington to help on both ends of the floor.
Key rotation players
• Cooper Flagg (SF) – around 20.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists • P.J. Washington (PF/SF) – adds 15.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists • Max Christie (SG/SF) – scores 11.8 points with strong shooting numbers • D’Angelo Russell (PG) – gives 10.8 points and 5.4 assists • Klay Thompson (SG) – scores 8.2 points and helps with spacing • Naji Marshall (SF) – contributes 6.8 points and 3.8 rebounds
Bench and supporting players
Dallas Mavericks vs Milwaukee Bucks. Image via: Morry Gash/ AP
Dwight Powell, Brandon Williams, Ryan Nembhard, Jaden Hardy, Caleb Martin, Dereck Lively II, Moussa Cisse, and Miles Kelly complete the bench.Kyrie Irving is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. His absence affects scoring and late-game play.
Milwaukee Bucks roster breakdown (2025-26 core rotation)
Milwaukee Bucks still depend on Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the team has changed. New players like Kyle Kuzma and Myles Turner were added to strengthen the lineup.
Key rotation players
• Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF) – averages 27.6 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists before injury • Kevin Porter Jr. (PG/SG) – averages 17.4 points and 5.4 assists • Bobby Portis (PF) – gives around 15-17 points and 8-9 rebounds • Myles Turner (C) – scores 14-15 points and protects the rim • Gary Harris (SG) – adds around 10-12 points • Kyle Kuzma (SF/PF) – scores about 17-18 points • AJ Green and Taurean Prince – provide shooting
Bench and depth players
Ryan Rollins, Andre Jackson Jr., Jericho Sims, and Thanasis Antetokounmpo add depth.
Dallas Mavericks vs Milwaukee Bucks Injury report (March 31, 2026)
Dallas Mavericks injury status
OUT • Caleb Martin – heel injury • Dereck Lively II – foot surgery • Kyrie Irving – knee injury, out for seasonDAY-TO-DAY / QUESTIONABLE • P.J. Washington – illness • Naji Marshall – illness • Marvin Bagley III – shoulder issueDallas is short on players in the frontcourt and on the wings.
Milwaukee Bucks injury status
OUT • Giannis Antetokounmpo – knee injury • Bobby Portis – wrist injury • Thanasis Antetokounmpo – calf injuryDOUBTFUL / EFFECTIVELY OUT • Kevin Porter Jr. – knee injuryQUESTIONABLE / PROBABLE • Gary Harris – personal reasons • Ryan Rollins – hip issue • Kyle Kuzma – Achilles issueMilwaukee is missing several key players, including its main star.
Dallas Mavericks vs Milwaukee Bucks Impact of injuries on game dynamics
Dallas is dealing with problems on the wing and in the frontcourt. With Washington, Marshall, and Martin not fully available, the team depends more on Cooper Flagg. Max Christie also becomes more important.Milwaukee has its own issues. Without Giannis, Portis, and likely Porter Jr., the team loses scoring and playmaking. This puts more pressure on Myles Turner and other players to step up.Dallas may have an advantage in the backcourt. Players like D’Angelo Russell, Ryan Nembhard, and Jaden Hardy can attack and create chances.
Dallas Mavericks vs Milwaukee Bucks Recent head-to-head record and matchup context
Milwaukee has won all recent games against Dallas. Over the last three seasons, the Bucks are 5-0 in this matchup.Earlier this season, Milwaukee won by double digits at home when both teams were healthier. That game showed the difference in depth between the teams.This game is also a rescheduled one, which makes it more important for both sides.
Dallas Mavericks vs Milwaukee Bucks Team stats comparison (2025-26 season)
Scoring and efficiency
| Metric | Dallas Mavericks | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Points per game | ~113.6 PPG | ~111.3 PPG |
| Field goal percentage | ~47.0% | ~48.0% |
| 3-point percentage | ~35–36% range | ~35–37% range |
| Turnovers per game | ~13–14 TOV | ~13–14 TOV |
| Rebounds per game | ~44–45 RPG | ~45–46 RPG |
Dallas scores more inside and in transition. Milwaukee usually relies on size, but injuries have changed that approach.
Defense and pace
• Dallas allows around 116-119 points per game • Milwaukee allows a similar number but is stronger inside when healthyBoth teams play at a steady pace and focus more on half-court offense.
Key storylines to watch in tonight’s Dallas Mavericks vs Milwaukee Bucks game
– Dallas playing without Kyrie Irving– Dallas misses Irving’s scoring. Now Davis and Flagg have to lead the offense. Russell and Hardy also need to contribute more.
Milwaukee’s frontcourt situation
With Giannis and Portis out, Milwaukee depends on Turner and backup bigs. This could give Dallas chances to score inside.
Dallas Mavericks vs Milwaukee Bucks Expected game flow and odds (March 31, 2026)
Dallas is a slight favorite by about 1.5 to 2.5 points. The total is around 227 to 229.5 points. This suggests a close game with steady scoring from both teams.This game comes down to which team handles injuries better. Dallas is missing key players, and Milwaukee is without its biggest star and other important pieces.Dallas will rely on Cooper Flagg to lead. Milwaukee will depend on players like Myles Turner and its role players to stay competitive.The team that plays more consistent basketball and makes fewer mistakes is likely to win.
