The Dallas Mavericks have lost Kyrie Irving to a season-ending knee injury, and there’s no timetable for Anthony Davis’ return after the star forward injured a groin in his Dallas debut following the stunning trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.

But, the latest might be the lowest for the Mavs. They finished a 125-116 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Sunday with just seven healthy players, and that was with Edwards getting back on the floor with a bandage over his left eye.

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Dallas began the game with nine active players and was down to seven after the heads of Edwards and Powell collided as they chased a loose ball late in the third quarter. Both needed stitches, coach Jason Kidd said.

Powell never returned after getting treated on the bench to stop the bleeding and going on to the locker room. About the time Kessler came back in the fourth quarter, guard Brandon Williams was ruled out with left hamstring tightness.

“We had no subs because of the time restrictions on two,” Kidd said. “We’re trying to figure it out as we go.”

What Would Happen If The Mavericks Whittle Down To Less Than 8 Active Players?

The Mavs need to be wary of their remaining players, as NBA rules dictate that a team must have a minimum of eight players dressed and ready to play in every preseason and regular season game.

If an NBA team doesn’t have at least 8 active players available for a game, they can face a few possible consequences:

Forfeiture of the Game: The NBA has a rule that requires each team to have at least 8 active players to participate in a game. If a team fails to meet this minimum requirement, the game can possibly be forfeited. This means the opposing team would automatically be declared the winner.

Rescheduling or Postponing the Game: In rare cases, the game might be postponed or rescheduled, but this typically happens under extraordinary circumstances, such as COVID-19 outbreaks or major injuries, not just because a team lacks players.

Emergency Signings: If a team is short on players, they can sometimes sign players from the G-League or make emergency roster moves to meet the 8-player requirement.

The Mavs have to play again Monday night in San Antonio, and Kidd doesn’t have much hope with regard to player returns going forward in the short future.

“We’re probably going to have seven, eight at the most,” Kidd said of the first of consecutive road games against the Spurs.

No reinforcements can be added for the Mavericks either, despite having an open roster sport, because they are only $51,000 below the salary cap’s first apron and cannot exceed that threshold; a 10-day contract pays $119,972.

After the game, Kidd was asked jokingly about whether he and assistant coach Jared Dudley could provide any minutes off the bench.

“I don’t think we can do that,” Kidd said. “We can’t sign anybody. It does cost too much. You’ve gotta laugh because if you don’t, this will drive you crazy.”

(With agency inputs)