P.J. Washington left the court with 1:11 left in the fourth quarter during Tuesday’s 123-114 victory over the Nets after suffering a left ankle injury, according to Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News. Washington played 30 minutes, contributing 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including one three-pointer, along with four rebounds, two assists, and one block.
Circumstances Surrounding the Injury
The injury occurred when Washington stepped on an opponent’s foot and twisted his ankle, forcing him to limp off to the locker room late in the game. The Mavericks have a Thursday matchup against the Kings, and Washington’s availability remains uncertain. If he is unable to play, Dallas may need to lean heavily on forwards like Naji Marshall, Caleb Martin, and Klay Thompson to fill the void.
Additional Team Injury Concerns Ahead
Cooper Flagg’s return is doubtful due to a foot issue, and Khris Middleton’s status is also unclear after missing the entire second half on Tuesday because of a shoulder stinger. These health concerns add to the uncertainty surrounding the Mavericks’ roster heading into their next game.
Potential Impact on the Mavericks’ Forward Rotation
Washington’s ankle injury raises questions about the depth and stability of Dallas’s forward positions. The team’s reliance on backups like Marshall, Martin, and Thompson could increase significantly if Washington and other injured players are sidelined, influencing the Mavericks’ performance against the Kings and beyond.
