Mavericks contend with Kings in contest between ailing teams

The Dallas Mavericks will look to build on their sudden spike in form when they open a three-game homestand Thursday night against the struggling Sacramento Kings.

After 10 successive defeats, Dallas has won two games in a row, capped by Tuesday's 123-114 road victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

The Mavericks' bench -- led by Marvin Bagley III (22 points), Brandon Williams (19) and Klay Thompson (17) -- made big contributions against Brooklyn, while starter Naji Marshall scored 21.

This is the type of bench production required because Dallas sports a lengthy injury list, headlined by the season-long absence of Kyrie Irving (knee).

P.J. Washington (ankle) and Cooper Flagg (foot) are not expected to play against Sacramento. Khris Middleton (shoulder) is questionable, and Daniel Gafford (ankle) is listed as day-to-day.

Williams was 9-of-11 shooting from the floor while racking up 10 assists and two blocks against Brooklyn.

"I think you can see that he's turned the corner of being able to play-make for others," Dallas coach Jason Kidd said after his 200th win at the team's helm. "(He's) using his speed to get into the paint and not always looking to score, but making plays for others ... He made some big shots for us, and I thought he played some pretty good defense, too. He got a couple of steals and deflections when he was the low man. I think you can see he's getting comfortable running the team."

The Mavs set up their victory over the Nets by scoring 76 points in the first half, the team's best of the season.

"That's the main thing with us," Williams said. "We just get out to a good start and just ride that wave -- I think that's going to help us a lot, especially in these late games. It seems like every game for us is close. If you can get out to a good start, it sets the tone for sure."

The Kings will take the league's worst record (13-47) into their clash with Dallas, the second leg of a back-to-back set in Texas.

Sacramento suffered a 128-97 loss to the host Houston Rockets on Wednesday, a result soured by a left ankle injury sustained by Keegan Murray on an awkward landing in the first quarter.

Murray previously missed 20 games with a sprain of the same ankle. He returned only last week from the injury.

With Zach LaVine (hand), Domantas Sabonis (knee) and De'Andre Hunter (eye) all out for the season, the Kings can't get a break.

Sacramento coach Doug Christie acknowledged he sympathizes with veterans Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan, former All-Stars forced to endure through difficult times.

Westbrook (22 points) and DeRozan (15) took turns in carrying the Kings against the Rockets.

"I feel for them a lot of nights," Christie said. "They understand. Tonight they got going. I gave them a shot in the second half, but we've got a game tomorrow (Thursday). I have to save them so they can go out and continue to contribute for us, because we're here to win games.

"Our young players pay attention, and these are two Hall of Famers in the big scheme of things. And to be that in our league is a mighty big accomplishment."