Dallas Mavericks’ Brandon Williams Trends Toward Playing vs. Utah Jazz; P.J. Washington Doubtful

Grant AfsethJanuary 8, 2026January 8, 2026

Brandon Williams, Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, NBA

Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks arrive in Utah following a hard-fought 100–98 road victory over the Sacramento Kings, a win that snapped a seven-game road losing streak but did little to simplify the team’s ongoing injury picture.

Dallas erased a double-digit deficit Tuesday night and outscored Sacramento by 14 points after halftime, leaning on rebounding, late-game execution, and a game-winning three from Brandon Williams to close out the Kings at Golden 1 Center. While the result provided momentum to open the road trip, the Mavericks’ ability to build on it against the Utah Jazz remains tied closely to availability.

Shootaround offered incremental clarity ahead of Thursday’s matchup, improving outlooks in some areas while reinforcing uncertainty in others as Dallas continues to manage multiple absences across its rotation.

One of the most encouraging developments came with Brandon Williams, who was upgraded to probable following shootaround after initially being listed as questionable with a right heel contusion. Williams was active on the floor and appeared comfortable moving through drills, positioning him to be available barring a late change.

Williams’ potential availability carries added significance given both his recent impact and his season-long role. He has averaged 11.8 points, 3.9 assists, and 2.8 rebounds in 33 games for Dallas this season, providing steady backcourt production amid a constantly shifting rotation. That contribution peaked Tuesday night in Sacramento, when Williams scored 18 points, including the game-winning three-pointer with 33.9 seconds remaining in the Mavericks’ victory over the Kings.

With ball-handling, tempo control, and late-clock decision-making at a premium amid injuries, Williams’ presence stabilizes the backcourt as Dallas looks to carry momentum into Utah.

P.J. Washington Remains Doubtful

While Williams’ outlook improved, P.J. Washington remains trending toward the sidelines. Washington continues to be listed as doubtful with a right ankle sprain and was not seen on the court during shootaround, placing his availability in serious question.

Washington briefly returned Saturday against Houston but logged just 12 minutes without scoring, before being sidelined again as the ankle issue persisted. On the season, he has averaged 14.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists across 30 games, serving as a key two-way contributor when healthy.

His potential absence would further test Dallas’ forward depth, particularly in lineups that rely on his defensive versatility, rebounding, and ability to space the floor alongside the team’s frontcourt anchors.

Longer-Term Absences Continue To Shape Rotation

Beyond the immediate questions, Dallas’ injury list remains extensive and influential. Kyrie Irving continues to recover from left knee surgery, sidelining the team’s primary offensive initiator. Danté Exum also remains out following right knee surgery, further thinning the guard rotation.

In the frontcourt, Dereck Lively II is still unavailable as he works back from right foot surgery, forcing Dallas to lean heavily on Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford to control the interior.

Two-way depth is also affected, with Moussa Cissé listed as doubtful due to a G League assignment and Miles Kelly similarly designated under a two-way classification.

Winning Formula Tested Again on the Road

The injury context has shaped how Dallas has competed. Against Sacramento, the Mavericks survived 17 turnovers by controlling the glass, playing with pace, and executing in late-game situations.

That same approach will be required again against the Utah Jazz, who enter the matchup on the second night of a back-to-back. For the Dallas Mavericks, the availability picture remains fluid — but the blueprint is increasingly clear.

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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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