Mavericks’ P.J. Washington Out, Naji Marshall Returns for NBA Cup Semifinal Against Thunder
The Dallas Mavericks will be without P.J. Washington as they face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup Semifinal on Tuesday. Washington has been ruled out due to illness, leaving a void in Dallas’ starting lineup. Naji Marshall will return after missing the last four games with an upper respiratory illness.
Washington has been a key contributor for the Mavericks, who are 15-4 with him in the lineup compared to 1-4 without him this season. His absence will test Dallas’ depth as they aim to maintain momentum following a stretch of 11 wins in their last 12 games. The Mavericks are also without Maxi Kleber, who remains sidelined due to illness, Jaden Hardy (right ankle sprain), and Danté Exum (right wrist surgery).
The Mavericks expect Marshall to be limited to below 25 minutes in his return to the lineup. Regardless, he brings a necessary option as an on-ball defender, especially considering Washington tends to provide that presence. He’s averaging 11.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists this season. Before his illness, he recorded four consecutive 20-point games—the longest of his NBA career.
In Saturday’s win over the Toronto Raptors, Olivier-Maxence Prosper played 10 impactful minutes. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd noted Prosper’s contributions.
“He was great. We talked about him pregame, and he made an incredible impact with the time he had on the floor,” Kidd said. “Defensively, offensively—he did everything we asked.”
The Mavericks will also have Kessler Edwards available to provide wing depth after he flew in from Mexico City following a game with the Texas Legends on Monday night. Edwards, a two-way contract signee, finished with 3 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal in 35 minutes against the Mexico City Capitanes at Arena CDMX.
The Mavericks may also explore smaller lineups depending on matchups against the Thunder. With their recent momentum and depth, Dallas remains confident despite the challenges of injuries and illnesses.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. CT at Paycom Center. The winner will advance to the NBA Cup Semifinal in Las Vegas, where they will face either the Golden State Warriors or the Houston Rockets—depending on who wins Wednesday’s matchup.
