Mavericks Lose Vital Role Player to Injury
When it rains, it pours. With Luka Doncic out due to a calf strain, Dante Exum still recovering from wrist surgery, and Dereck Lively II on a minute restriction, the Dallas Mavericks can't afford more injuries. However, as life does, it provides Dallas with more stress. During the second quarter of Wednesday's contest vs. the Houston Rockets, a vital Mavericks role player suffered an injury.
Dec 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) dribbles during the first quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at American Airlines Center.
© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
PJ Washington is crucial to the Mavericks' success. He is one of the roster's better two-player players. Given the Mavericks' current injury report, another player added would place them in quite a compromising position.
In his second game back from the league suspension he earned by pushing Phoenix Suns' Jusuf Nurkic, the Mavericks forward didn't have much time to regain momentum as he had to leave the gam in the second quarter.
Washington suffered a knee sprain in the second period on a possession in which he attempted a block. Unfortunately for Washington, he landed awkwardly on his right knee, which saw the Mavericks forward limp off the court.
Considering Washington's knee injury history from earlier in the season, which forced the forward out for five consecutive games, the Mavericks must move cautiously.
Dallas went 1-4 with Washington out with his prior knee injury. Without Washington, they lose a two-way player who's shown he can take on scoring responsibilities.
Washington averages 12.8 points and 7.5 rebounds.
