Is PJ Washington playing tonight against OKC Thunder? Latest on Mavericks forward's availability for 2024 Emirates NBA Cup Quarterfinal (Dec. 10)

PJ Washington has turned into an integral part of the Dallas Mavericks since his acquisition from the Charlotte Hornets in February. Washington has only missed five games this season, with the Mavs going 1-4. Is the Dallas forward playing tonight against the OKC Thunder in the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinal?

According to the latest injury report, Washington is listed as questionable due to an unspecified illness. The Mavericks have had three days off, but it seems like the 26-year-old forward has caught what Naji Marshall has been dealing with for about a week.

Marshall and Washington are not the only two players who have an illness, with Maxi Kleber ruled out. Washington is expected to undergo further evaluation before tip-off. The Mavs' medical team will likely decide if he's going to be downgraded to out or upgraded to available.

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PJ Washington's career stats vs. OKC Thunder

Entering Tuesday's quarterfinal game against the OKC Thunder, PJ Washington is averaging 12.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. Washington has been vital in the Dallas Mavericks' success this season. He has contributed on both sides of the ball and during clutch time.

In 11 regular-season games versus the Thunder in his career, he's averaging 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. He's shooting 47.9% from the field and 71.7% from the free throw line.

Washington is also averaging 1.9 3-point makes against Oklahoma City in his career, shooting at a 35.0% clip. He has a 7-4 winning record versus the Thunder.

His best performance happened on March 28, 2023, when he was still part of the Charlotte Hornets. He scored a career-high 43 points to beat the Thunder 137-135 in a thrilling game. He also had six rebounds and five assists in the game, shooting 66.7%.

Meanwhile, his worst performance against the Thunder was a lackluster five-point effort on Feb. 2, 2024. The Hornets were one of the worst teams in the league last season, so it wasn't surprising to see Washington have a poor game.

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Mavericks record without PJ Washington this season

PJ Washington missed five games last month, from Nov. 6 to 14, due to a minor injury. The Dallas Mavericks didn't have a great time with Washington on the shelf, dropping four of the five games. They beat the Chicago Bulls 119-99 easily in their first game without him but lost the next four.

Washington has been a difference-maker for the Mavericks, knocking down shots when needed and shutting up the opposing team's best players. It helps that players like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving trust him to make the best decisions on the court.