DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks received a significant boost ahead of their Thursday night matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, as forward Naji Marshall has been officially cleared to play. Marshall, who had been dealing with a persistent left foot strain, was upgraded from questionable to active on February 12, 2026, providing the Mavericks with a key defensive stopper and versatile offensive weapon.
Injury Update and Game Status
After missing time due to the foot injury and a brief bout with illness earlier in the month, Marshall’s return comes at a critical juncture for Dallas. While he did not participate in the team’s morning shootaround on Thursday, medical staff cleared him for full contact shortly before tip-off. His availability is particularly vital as teammate Caleb Martin remains sidelined with a left ankle sprain.
A Breakout 2025-26 Campaign
Marshall, 28, has emerged as a legitimate “X-Factor” for the Mavericks this season. Since joining the team, the 6’6″ forward from Xavier has seen his production soar. Currently, Marshall is averaging career-high numbers across the board:
- Points per game: 15.0
- Rebounds per game: 5.0
- Assists per game: 3.0
- Field Goal Percentage: 53.1%
His offensive explosion was highlighted by a recent 31-point performance against the Phoenix Suns, where he shot 12-of-17 from the floor. Beyond the scoring, Marshall has earned praise from the Dallas coaching staff for his ability to guard multiple positions, often taking the assignment of the opponent’s primary ball-handler.
Trade Rumors and Future Outlook
Marshall’s high-level play has not gone unnoticed around the league. Following the recent trade deadline, reports surfaced that the Los Angeles Lakers have identified Marshall as a primary target for the upcoming offseason. Despite the external interest, the Mavericks have signaled that Marshall is a core component of their rotation alongside stars like Luka Dončić and rookie sensation Cooper Flagg.
As the Mavericks push toward the playoffs, Marshall’s health will be a storyline to watch. His ability to provide secondary playmaking and elite perimeter defense makes him one of the most valuable undrafted success stories in the NBA today.
The Mavericks face the Lakers tonight at 7:30 PM CT.