Dallas Mavericks Injury Notes Featuring P.J. Washington, Kyrie Irving In Sacramento

Grant AfsethJanuary 6, 2026January 6, 2026

Kyrie Irving, P.J. Washington, Dallas Mavericks, NBA

Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks enter Tuesday’s road matchup against the Sacramento Kings juggling multiple injury questions, with P.J. Washington and Kyrie Irving both remaining key storylines as the team opens a three-game trip out West.

Dallas snapped a four-game losing streak with Saturday’s 110-104 home win over the Houston Rockets, but the health of several rotation players will shape how the Mavericks approach the next stretch of the season.

P.J. Washington Listed Day-To-Day With Ankle Sprain

Washington is dealing with a right ankle sprain that head coach Jason Kidd described as “day-to-day” following Saturday’s win. Despite being listed as doubtful for Tuesday’s game, Washington was on the floor during shootaround at Golden 1 Center, a positive sign as Dallas monitors his availability.

Washington has been a steady presence in the Mavericks’ frontcourt, averaging 14.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 30 games this season. His status remains one to watch as Dallas looks to stabilize a rotation that has been in flux throughout the year.

Kyrie Irving Travels, Works Out In Sacramento

Irving, who remains out following knee surgery, traveled with the Mavericks to Sacramento and went through a workout with assistant coach Phil Handy after shootaround. While there is still no revealed timetable for a potential return, Irving’s presence on a three-game road trip — with stops in Sacramento, Utah, and Chicago — is a sign of progression.

Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 50 games during the 2024–25 season and was selected to his ninth All-Star Game. Even as the Mavericks remain cautious, his continued involvement around the team remains notable.

Dallas Opens Road Trip Seeking Momentum

The Mavericks will attempt to halt a seven-game road losing streak when they face the Kings on Tuesday night. Dallas is 3-12 on the road this season and previously fell 113-107 in Sacramento on Dec. 27, a game played without Anthony Davis in the lineup.

Davis returned Saturday and delivered 26 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks against Houston, helping Dallas improve to 13-23 and remain within reach of the Western Conference play-in race.

“We came out with good energy, great intensity, and it feels good to get the win,” Davis said. “We were able to get our first win in the new year. (We’ve) been struggling. Came out with good intensity, good energy. Got down but made a run, (and) guys made shots and got stops. We were able to bounce back.”

Dallas sits 10 games below .500 with the midway point of the season approaching, while the Los Angeles Clippers continue to climb behind them in the standings.

Cooper Flagg, Rotation Health Also In Focus

Another area of concern for Dallas is the recent dip in production from rookie Cooper Flagg. After topping 20 points in seven of eight games from Dec. 12–27, Flagg has averaged 12.3 points over his last three games while shooting 29.8% from the field and 1-of-10 from three-point range.

Kidd acknowledged that Flagg may be encountering the rookie wall.

“You got to embrace it. That’s just a mental thing,” Kidd said. “For the great ones, they touch it. They don’t run from it. They find a way to go over it or through it or around it. It’s not going to move. Understanding that, embrace it and just like playing point guard, it’s going to be uncomfortable. But he’s responded in a positive way and he’s going to find a way to get off the rookie wall.”

Full Injury Context For Tuesday

Dallas will be without Irving (knee surgery), Dereck Lively II (foot surgery), and Danté Exum (knee surgery), while Washington remains day-to-day.

For Sacramento, Domantas Sabonis will not play due to a knee injury. Keegan Murray (left ankle) and Keon Ellis (left thumb) are listed as day-to-day.

The Kings enter Tuesday having lost five straight games and sit with the second-worst record in the Western Conference, though Dallas is well aware of the challenge after dropping the previous meeting in Sacramento.

As the Mavericks open a critical road swing, the health of Washington and the continued progress of Irving remain central to how much momentum they can realistically build in the weeks ahead.

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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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Dallas Mavericks Injury Notes Featuring P.J. Washington, Kyrie Irving In Sacramento

P.J. Washington Listed Day-To-Day With Ankle Sprain