A four-game losing streak in the Western Conference leaves little room for comfort. For the Dallas Mavericks, Thursday night, February 5, offers a chance to stop the bleeding, but it also presents one of their toughest tests of the season. Hosting the second-place San Antonio Spurs, Dallas faces a team riding high at 34-16 and looking every bit like a legitimate contender. The Mavericks desperately need a win to steady their slipping campaign, yet their path to doing so could hinge on one looming question: will they have to contend with Victor Wembanyama?

San Antonio’s 7-foot-4 superstar has been the engine behind the Spurs’ rise this season, and his availability has often been the difference between a manageable matchup and a nightmare scenario for opponents.

Is Victor Wembanyama playing vs the Dallas Mavericks?

Well, Victor Wembanyama is indeed suiting up for the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks. The Spurs medical team has cleared his name from all injury reports. His availability is a huge boost for a Spurs team that has navigated several injury scares with their young star, including a knee hyperextension earlier this season and a more serious blood clot issue that ended his 2024-25 campaign.

Hall of Famers like Chris Bosh had to give up on their careers because of DVT. But Wemby? He’s different. He spent the rest of the summer recovering, turning into a Shaolin monk, training with Kevin Garnett, just to return to the floor. Now, earlier in January 2026, the Spurs superstar sustained a knee hyperextension vs. the New York Knicks. “It’s a good thing it was just a hyperextension,” Wembanyama said then. “It should be minimal, whatever this thing is.”

Coming back to the 2025-26 season, Victor Wembanyama has appeared in 36 games for the Spurs. He has averaged 24.0 ppg, 11.1 rpg, and 2.7 apg. Meanwhile, the Alien has a 50.6 FG%. His most recent heroics came against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Victor scored 22 points and 11 rebounds as the Spurs defeated OKC yet again!

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San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks: Injury Report

San Antonio Spurs

As of 5 February, the San Antonio Spurs face a depleted rotation for Thursday’s clash with Dallas. Forward Kelly Olynyk remains sidelined with a foot issue, while guard Dylan Harper continues recovering from an ankle problem. Forward David Jones Garcia, meanwhile, underwent ankle surgery and will miss the entire 2025-26 season.

Adding to their injury woes, Jeremy Sochan is still rehabilitating a quadriceps strain, sidelining a key defensive presence. Lindy Waters III also remains unavailable due to left knee hypertension. As a result, the Spurs enter their matchup against the Mavericks short-handed, forcing rotation tweaks and testing their depth across positions.

Dallas Mavericks

Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks enter Thursday’s game against San Antonio with several health concerns. P.J. Washington remains unavailable while progressing through concussion protocol. Meanwhile, Brandon Williams carries a lower leg concern and holds a game-time decision tag. Daniel Gafford also faces uncertainty due to a right ankle ligament injury.

Guard Kyrie Irving continues knee rehabilitation and, according to coach Jason Kidd’s 22 January update, likely returns after All-Star festivities. Center Dereck Lively II remains out after undergoing successful surgery on his right foot on December 21.

Roster movement adds another layer of uncertainty. Malaki Branham, Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, and Marvin Bagley III arrived as part of a massive trade that sent Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum.

Each newcomer currently carries day-to-day availability. Thus, Dallas balances integration challenges with rotation instability as it prepares for the Spurs matchup.

Predicted Starting Lineups for San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks

Keeping in mind the injury updates, here’s the predicted starting five for both teams:

All the action will be in the West. The Spurs will meet the Mavs, and it will be an interesting sight. Dallas will walk in with a brand new roster, while San Antonio will rely on its young core for the 35th win. Who will emerge glorious in this battle of the Western Conference?