The Dallas Mavericks faced another tough injury setback during Wednesday’s game against the Houston Rockets. Forward P.J. Washington hurt his right knee and was ruled out for the second half. It’s not clear when Washington’s knee injury happened. However, forward Maxi Kleber replaced him in Dallas’ starting lineup after halftime. The Mavericks’ PR team also announced on X that Washington would “not return.”
P.J. Washington finished with six points, three rebounds, one assist, and one block on 3-for-8 shooting (37.5%) in 16 minutes. Making $15.5 million this season, the sixth-year forward has been one of Dallas’ best two-way players, often taking on tough defensive tasks. In his first 26 games, he averaged 12.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.1 blocks, and 1.7 three-pointers per game, shooting 44.6% overall and 39.8% from three.
In addition to Washington’s absence, the Mavericks are also missing their top player, superstar guard Luka Doncic. The five-time All-Star hurt his left calf during the team’s 105-99 home loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Christmas Day. After the injury, Doncic was given a one-month timeline before his first re-evaluation. So, with Washington now injured, Dallas could be without two starters for the foreseeable future.
P.J. Washington’s injury leaves a big hole in Mavericks’ lineup
Dallas entered Wednesday’s game in fourth place (20-13) in the crowded Western Conference. However, they have struggled without P.J. Washington. The Mavericks have gone just 1-6 through seven games with Washington sidelined and 19-7 with him available. The team has been rumored to be looking to trade its 2025 first-round draft pick for roster help and has been linked to several top wings. So, with both Washington and Doncic injured, these setbacks might speed up that process.
Dallas will next host the league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers (29-4) on Friday. The team should have an update on Washington’s return timeline by then.
Also read: Mavericks’ P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, and Suns’ Jusuf Nurkic Face Ejection After A Physical Exchange During The Game
If you are a Dallas Mavericks fan, this injury that befell star forward P. J. Washington must be seriously concerned. However, we have seen the Dallas boys exhibit a lot of adaptibility when it comes to injuries in the team. The team’s rotation is supreme and you can be sure that the manager will find someone equally good as P. J. to fill his spot till he recovers.
