The Dallas Mavericks aim for their sixth straight win against the Wizards as Naji Marshall nears a return, showcasing their depth and resilience this season.
DALLAS — As the Dallas Mavericks enter Thursday’s matchup against the Washington Wizards, most of the roster has returned from injuries. However, Naji Marshall is set to miss his third consecutive game because of illness.
Marshall’s last complete game was on November 27, when he scored 24 points in a 129-114 victory over the New York Knicks. The following game, he was only able to play the first half of the Mavericks’ 106-94 win over the Utah Jazz before being ruled out after halftime. He hasn’t played again since. However, the Mavericks have continued to overcome players being in and out of the lineup.
“I think sometimes injuries help because other guys get the opportunity to play more minutes. Our depth has been one of our keys,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said. “Guys have stepped up with players out, and we’ve been in some close games—won some, lost some. The character of the group is evident; they understand it’s about learning and becoming a team on this journey.”
During Tuesday’s 121-116 win against the Memphis Grizzlies, Marshall supported his teammates from the bench—suggesting the current priority is the return to competition protocol. The current focus may be on conditioning. If that’s the case, there could be a development during the two-game road trip.
Marshall has averaged 11.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 through 20 games. He stepped up significantly after the Mavericks began navigating many injuries, particularly when Luka Dončić missed six of seven games due to a right wrist sprain. The coaching staff is eager to see this team when everyone is healthy again.
“It’s still early. Last year, I think we were at a similar record, maybe a little better, and everyone thought the world was ending,” Kidd said. “We just have to stay focused, get healthy, and then see what we’ve got.”
The Mavericks had listed Dereck Lively II and Klay Thompson as questionable entering Tuesday’s game, but they are no longer on the report. However, the team will have each of their two-way contract signees on G League assignment, including Jazian Gortman, Kessler Edwards, and Brandon Williams.
The Mavericks have a lot of momentum currently, with Dončić and Kyrie Irving in the lineup. Dallas has won nine of its last 10 games. With a 14-8 record, the team ranks third in the Western Conference and is on a four-game winning streak.
Support DallasHoopsJournal.com
As an independent Dallas Mavericks reporter, it helps when you sign up for a premium membership to read my most in-depth content. The cost is $10 per month or $100 annually.
Follow on Other Platforms
For more Mavs, NBA, and WNBA coverage, follow Grant Afseth on X, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Be sure to subscribe on YouTube for content throughout the 2024-25 season.
