Cooper Flagg, P.J. Washington Out As Dallas Mavericks Monitor Khris Middleton, Daniel Gafford vs. Sacramento Kings

Grant AfsethFebruary 26, 2026February 26, 2026

NBA: P.J. Washington drives toward the basket at Golden 1 Center against the Sacramento Kings.

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks may once again be forced to recalibrate their rotation. Ahead of Thursday night’s matchup against the Sacramento Kings, Dallas released its latest injury report — and availability remains a major storyline.

Khris Middleton headlines the report as questionable with a right shoulder stinger after exiting Tuesday’s 123-114 win over the Brooklyn Nets at halftime. Meanwhile, P.J. Washington has officially been ruled out with a left ankle sprain sustained late in the fourth quarter of that same contest.

The frontcourt depth that helped power Dallas to a 66-point paint performance in Brooklyn will now be tested again.

Khris Middleton’s Status Looms Large for the Dallas Mavericks

Middleton is listed as questionable after being ruled out at halftime Tuesday following a collision in the second quarter. The veteran forward returned briefly to close the first half before being held out the remainder of the game.

In five appearances with Dallas this season, Middleton is averaging 14.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 49.0% from the field and 35.3% from three-point range. His ability to serve as a secondary ball-handler and mid-post decision-maker has provided balance within a reshuffled starting unit.

If Middleton is unavailable, additional offensive creation responsibility would likely shift toward Brandon Williams and Naji Marshall, while Klay Thompson could see expanded minutes in primary scoring stretches.

P.J. Washington Ruled Out; Daniel Gafford Doubtful

Washington has been ruled out after appearing to roll his left ankle late in Tuesday’s win. He exited directly to the locker room and did not return.

Through 42 games this season, Washington is averaging 14.3 points and a team-leading 7.1 rebounds in 31.0 minutes per game. His versatility has allowed Dallas to switch defensively while still maintaining rebounding presence, and his absence removes a consistent interior scoring option.

Compounding the concern, Daniel Gafford is listed as doubtful due to right ankle injury management. Gafford is averaging 8.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks this season while shooting 62.3% from the field.

Should Gafford also be unavailable, Dallas’ interior rotation would lean heavily on Marvin Bagley III, Dwight Powell, and potentially smaller lineups.

Multiple Two-Way Players Listed As Questionable

Ryan Nembhard, Moussa Cissé, and Miles Kelly are all listed as questionable under G League two-way designation.

Nembhard has averaged 6.7 points and 4.9 assists in 18.8 minutes this season, providing ball security and secondary playmaking. Cissé has appeared in 30 games, averaging 3.7 points and 4.5 rebounds while offering rim protection in limited minutes. Kelly has appeared in 13 games.

Availability for two-way players can fluctuate based on roster designation and usage limits, adding another variable to Thursday’s preparation.

Long-Term Absences Continue To Shape Rotation

Dallas will once again be without Cooper Flagg (left midfoot sprain), Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery) and Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery).

Flagg has averaged a team-leading 20.4 points this season and remains sidelined as he recovers from his foot injury. Irving and Lively are out for the season, continuing a campaign that has required constant lineup adjustments.

With Sacramento presenting one of the league’s more potent offensive units, depth and rebounding will be central themes entering the matchup.

Dallas enters Thursday seeking to build on the momentum of its 2–1 road trip, but the availability of Middleton and Gafford could significantly shape both the starting lineup and closing combinations.

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Grant Afseth

Senior Writer

Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.

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