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HomeBoston CelticsDallas Mavericks Rule Out P.J. Washington, Face Boston Celtics Shorthanded Amid Four-Game Skid
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Dallas Mavericks Rule Out P.J. Washington, Face Boston Celtics Shorthanded Amid Four-Game Skid

Grant AfsethGrant Afseth
NBA: Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington looks on during the first half at American Airlines Center against the Golden State Warriors
Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks will be without forward P.J. Washington when they host the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night, the latest setback for a Dallas team trying to halt a season-worst four-game losing streak.

Washington was officially ruled out after entering concussion protocol. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at American Airlines Center.

P.J. Washington Ruled Out After Head Injury

Washington exited Saturday’s 111-107 loss at Houston in the fourth quarter after taking an accidental elbow to the head from teammate Naji Marshall. He sat briefly on the bench rubbing his forehead before walking back to the locker room and did not return.

The veteran forward has been a steady contributor for Dallas this season, averaging 14.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 36 games while playing nearly 31 minutes per night. He finished with nine points and four rebounds in 25 minutes against the Rockets before leaving the game.

Brandon Williams Questionable With Lower Leg Contusion

Brandon Williams is listed as questionable after suffering a right lower leg contusion Saturday. Williams was ruled out in the second quarter following a collision with Houston guard Reed Sheppard.

Before the injury, Williams provided an early spark, scoring 13 points in nine minutes on 5-of-7 shooting, including 2-of-3 from 3-point range. In 43 games this season, he has averaged 12.6 points, 3.6 assists and 2.9 rebounds, serving as a key scoring option off the bench.

Two-way guards Ryan Nembhard and Miles Kelly are listed as probable, while center Moussa Cisse is questionable.

Cooper Flagg Continues To Shoulder Offensive Load

Despite the recent losses, Dallas has remained competitive behind rookie standout Cooper Flagg. Flagg followed a record-setting 49-point performance against Charlotte with 34 points Saturday in Houston, scoring 21 after halftime after returning from a two-game absence with a rolled left ankle.

“That’s how he’s built,” coach Jason Kidd said. “He’s built to win. He’s going to try to do everything to help his team win. He’s done that all season.”

Flagg missed a potential game-tying layup with 25 seconds remaining and a late 3-pointer that would have cut the deficit to one. Still, center Daniel Gafford said the team remains confident with the rookie taking those shots.

“Coops? Oh, amazing,” Gafford said. “Put the ball in his hand and good things happen throughout the stretch of the game. We trust him to take those shots at the end of the game that he took. And the majority of the time, those shots fall.

“I’m pretty sure it was tough that he didn’t see that last one go in. He just came off a 49-point game. The sky’s the limit for him, so let him just get the ball and go.”

Boston Celtics Arrive With Defensive Momentum

Dallas will face a Boston team coming off a dominant 107-79 win over Milwaukee on Sunday. After falling behind 12-0, the Celtics controlled the rest of the game, holding the Bucks to 16, 19 and 18 points in the final three quarters.

Jaylen Brown led the way with 30 points and a season-high 13 rebounds. The league’s fourth-leading scorer at 29.4 points per game, Brown has averaged 9.6 rebounds over his past seven games, lifting his season average to a career-high 6.9.

“We always talk about (how) there’s a bunch of different ways you can lead — there’s 1,000 ways,” coach Joe Mazzulla said. “One of them is what you saw (Sunday) — he had nine rebounds in the first half alone … It’s just another way that he leads. His understanding (of) what gives us the best chances to win every night, and also helping set the tone for the standards we have to have on both ends of the floor.”

Dallas and Boston split their two meetings last season, with the road team winning both games. With injuries mounting and the trade deadline approaching, the Mavericks will look to steady themselves against one of the Eastern Conference’s top contenders.

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Tags :Boston CelticsBrandon WilliamsCooper FlaggDallas MavericksJason KiddNBANBA NewsP.J. Washington
Grant Afseth

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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