DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks‘ injury report for Monday’s home matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves grew more complicated Sunday, with P.J. Washington downgraded to questionable due to illness.
Washington, who has started 55 games this season and averaged 14.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, is one of the few veterans Dallas has been able to consistently rely on during a season defined by extended absences at nearly every position. He logged 27 minutes in Friday’s 100-93 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, contributing five points and five rebounds as the Mavericks snapped a five-game skid.
Washington’s availability matters beyond the box score. He is the team’s primary switchable forward, capable of defending multiple positions while providing interior rebounding and mid-range scoring. His absence, even if temporary, would force head coach Jason Kidd to reconfigure the rotation again.
Dallas Mavericks Injury Report Already Stretched
Washington joins a crowded list of uncertainties. Naji Marshall was downgraded to questionable after he was originally listed as probable despite an illness after a career-high five steals against Portland. Meanwhile, Marvin Bagley III remains questionable with a left shoulder impingement sustained late in Friday’s game.
Caleb Martin is doubtful with a right plantar fascia strain, while Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery) and Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery) remain out following surgeries. If Martin doesn’t play, he’d miss his seventh consecutive game.
Daniel Gafford, at least, is trending in the right direction. The center was upgraded to probable after missing two games with a right shoulder sprain, offering some relief to a frontcourt that has had to get creative in his absence.
Minnesota Timberwolves Arrive With Their Own Injury Concerns
Minnesota (45-29) enters Monday’s tip-off carrying its own injury uncertainty. The Timberwolves dropped a 109-87 decision to the Detroit Pistons on Saturday, scoring just 87 points—their second-fewest in a game this season—without Anthony Edwards, who has been sidelined lately due to right knee patellofemoral pain, but he is nearing a return. Edwards is averaging 29.5 points per game this season.
Jaden McDaniels has been ruled out for Monday’s contest, while both Edwards and Ayo Dosunmu, who have missed two straight games with a calf injury, were originally listed as questionable. Dosunmu has since been upgraded to available.
Despite Saturday’s result, the Timberwolves have a pressing incentive. Minnesota enters the week a half-game ahead of Houston for fifth place in the Western Conference and one and a half games behind Denver for fourth place and first-round home-court advantage. The Timberwolves will play six of their final seven games on the road, beginning Monday in Dallas.
The Mavericks (24-50) have played competitive basketball of late despite sitting out of postseason contention. Dallas pushed the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors to overtime before breaking through with a defensive win over Portland on Friday.
Tip-off for Monday’s game is set at 7:30 p.m. CT.
