Aldama and Christie are probable; Utah is missing two veteran bigs

What changed

Santi Aldama is probable for Friday’s game against Utah, his strongest designation yet as he works back from right knee surgery. Max Christie is also probable after missing Wednesday’s loss in San Antonio with right hip soreness and tightness.

Probable is not the same as active. Aldama has not appeared in Dallas’s first eight games, and the Mavericks have not announced a role or workload for a possible debut. Christie’s designation likewise can change before the 7 p.m. Central tip.

Tarik Biberović, Sergio de Larrea and Dereck Lively II remain out. Caleb Martin is available while playing with a right thumb splint.

Utah lists Jaren Jackson Jr. out with a right MCL tear and Jusuf Nurkić out with a right second plantar-plate tear. Their absences leave the Jazz without two veteran frontcourt pieces, but Dallas still has to account for Markkanen’s size and George’s creation.

Interpretation: the probable tags could restore two useful options, especially Aldama’s size and spacing. Until the active list is confirmed, they are encouraging availability signals—not lineup promises.