Dallas Mavericks’ injury woes deepen as $15,500,000 forward exits with painful injury

The Dallas Mavericks suffered another major injury blow during Wednesday's road matchup against the Houston Rockets. Forward P.J. Washington sustained a right knee sprain and was ruled out for the second half.

It's unclear exactly when Washington's knee injury occurred. However, forward Maxi Kleber replaced him in Dallas' starting five after halftime. The Mavericks' PR team also announced on X/Twitter that Washington would "not return."

Washington finished with six points, three rebounds, one assist and one block on 3-for-8 shooting (37.5%) across 16 minutes.

Making $15.5 million this season, the sixth-year forward has been one of Dallas' most productive two-way players, often embracing challenging defensive assignments. Over his first 26 outings, he averaged 12.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.1 blocks and 1.7 3-pointers per game, shooting 44.6% and 39.8% from deep.

In addition to Washington's absence, the Mavericks are without their top player, superstar guard Luka Doncic. The five-time All-Star sustained a left calf strain during his squad's 105-99 home loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Christmas Day.

Upon his injury diagnosis, Doncic was given a one-month timeline before his first re-evaluation.

So, in the wake of Washington's knee sprain, Dallas could be without two starters for the foreseeable future.

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Mavericks have struggled without P.J. Washington this season

Dallas entered Wednesday's contest positioned fourth (20-13) in the crowded Western Conference. However, it has struggled in P.J. Washington's absence. The Mavericks have gone just 1-6 through seven games with Washington sidelined and 19-7 with him available.

The team has been rumored to be shopping its 2025 first-round draft pick for roster reinforcements and has been connected to multiple high-profile wings. So, perhaps Washington and Doncic's injuries could expedite that process.

Dallas next hosts the league-best Cleveland Cavaliers (29-4) on Friday. The franchise should receive an update regarding Washington's return timeline by then.

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