DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks will have a vital defensive piece back in the fold for Sunday night’s high-stakes matchup.
P.J. Washington has been removed from the injury report and is cleared to play against the Los Angeles Lakers after missing three games due to illness, the team announced.
What P.J. Washington Brings Back
Washington’s absence was acutely felt during the Mavericks‘ recent defensive struggles. The veteran forward had been playing some of his best basketball of the season before the illness sidelined him, a point Jason Kidd made explicitly in his pregame availability earlier this week.
“PJ was playing well — we lose him to illness, and he’s not back yet,” Kidd said. “We’ve always talked about a next-man-up mentality, and that’s what we’ve done for the last two years due to injury. A lot of guys have gotten opportunities and taken advantage of them.”
On the season, Washington is averaging 14.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists across 55 games. While his scoring provides a necessary secondary punch, his value is most evident on the defensive end. He is currently averaging 1.0 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, numbers that reflect a versatile, switchable defensive profile that has been difficult for Dallas to replace.
The Bigger Picture
His return gives Dallas a more complete defensive identity than it has possessed in weeks. With Marvin Bagley III also listed as probable, the Mavericks are finally seeing their frontcourt rotation stabilize.
Washington’s ability to operate in the pick-and-roll alongside Cooper Flagg and Brandon Williams gives Kidd additional lineup combinations to combat the Lakers’ size. His presence will be particularly crucial as Dallas attempts to snap a franchise-record 14-game home losing streak.
Caleb Martin, Kyrie Irving, and Dereck Lively II remain out for Sunday’s contest.
Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. CT at American Airlines Center.
