MACAO — P.J. Washington is available Sunday for the Dallas Mavericks against the Houston Rockets after a left ankle sprain kept him out of Friday’s preseason opener. Houston won that game 135-117 at The Venetian Arena.
The Rockets grabbed 10 offensive rebounds in the first half Friday and turned them into a 19-10 edge in second-chance points. Through three quarters, Houston outscored Dallas 42-34 in the paint and 25-15 in second-chance points. The Mavericks attempted 51 3-pointers.
Dusty May Says P.J. Washington Can Help Mavericks Finish Possessions
After Friday’s game, Mavericks coach Dusty May said Houston was able to capitalize on the offensive glass, and he called that the biggest difference in the point discrepancy. Dallas started rookie Morez Johnson Jr. at center in that game, and Johnson is resting Sunday.
“P.J.’s another one that he’s versatile,” May said. “He can play a lot of different positions. So really just be a connector and take what the game gives him. He’s able to, when he’s able to play with great physicality and effort and he’s healthy, then he impacts the game in a lot of ways.”
“And one of the areas we’re just a little disappointed in the other night, weren’t able to finish our possessions like we needed to, and I think P.J. solves, helps solve that issue alone because of his length and toughness,” May continued.
“But he’s also someone that can defend one-on-one and force very tough shots by bigs and smalls, so I think he addresses some of the things that we didn’t do very well the other night,” May added.
Washington Returns From Left Ankle Sprain
Washington was one of six Mavericks out Friday. Caleb Martin, who missed the opener with an illness, is also available Sunday, and Kyrie Irving will play his first game since tearing his left ACL on March 3, 2025.
The Charlotte Hornets took Washington 12th overall in 2019 out of Kentucky. Dallas acquired him from Charlotte in February 2024, and he started for the team that reached the NBA Finals that June. In 2024-25, he averaged 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 57 games.
Washington signed a four-year contract extension with Dallas in September 2025, and the extension begins this season. He averaged 14.2 points in 2025-26.
Washington’s Versatility Gives Mavericks More Lineup Options
On Thursday, Johnson said Washington is the veteran he goes to whenever he is confused. Washington said the same day that the trip to Macao has been a bonding trip for the roster.
Sunday’s game tips off at 5 a.m. CT on NBA TV. Dallas returns home for preseason games Oct. 14 and Oct. 16 and opens the regular season Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m. CT in Houston.
