Mavs Brace for Bulls Matchup with Key Injuries: P.J. Washington Out, Dereck Lively II Questionable
Mavericks face the Bulls with key players sidelined: P.J. Washington out, Dereck Lively II questionable. Injury updates and lineup impacts ahead of Wednesday’s game.
DALLAS — When the Dallas Mavericks take on the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night, they must adjust to not having P.J. Washington in the lineup. He was ruled out with a right knee sprain. Meanwhile, Dereck Lively II could miss a second consecutive game with a right shoulder sprain.
Washington’s addition to the injury report isn’t surprising, considering he favored his right leg late during Monday’s 134-127 loss against the Indiana Pacers but played through it. This can be seen in a video captured by DallasHoopsJournal.com.
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The Mavericks have relied on Washington heavily for his defensive versatility. He’s often checked top matchups throughout games, handled a lot of switching, cross-matched onto centers, helped anchor small ball lineups, and has been active as an off-ball defender. However, he’s struggled to find his shot, as he’s converting at just a 22.6% clip from beyond the arc through seven games.
“He’s a pro,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said. “We love the shots he’s getting on the offensive end. But we really love what he’s doing on the defensive end for us. We’re asking him to guard everybody, and he’s up for that challenge. He wants to make one of the all-defensive teams. If he continues what he’s doing right now defensively, he should. He should be recognized for his defense.”
Lively is questionable with what the team calls a right shoulder sprain. He was a late scratch from Monday’s loss to the Pacers, and Kidd said the second-year center would get an MRI on Tuesday to diagnose the issue further but wasn’t sure when the injury specifically occurred. Lively went through his pre-game workout and wasn’t listed on the team’s injury report to begin the day.
“I don’t know exactly when he got hurt,” Kidd said. “He got scratched right before our meeting, so they’ll have pictures on his shoulder tomorrow to see what’s going on.”
The Mavericks continue to deal with Danté Exum (right wrist surgery) and Maxi Kleber (right hamstring strain) being sidelined without a clear timetable for a return.
With the number of frontcourt injuries piling up, the Mavericks will be limited in managing the center position throughout games. The team recently deployed Washington as a small ball five while Kleber is out. With both players sidelined, the options aren’t there to pull this off without going very small.
Dwight Powell has seen an uptick in minutes over the past three games and is likely to continue to do so if Lively cannot play.
The Bulls have listed Zach LaVine as questionable with a right adductor strain. Lonzo Ball is out with a right wrist sprain. Meanwhile, Patrick Williams (right shoulder strain) and Josh Giddey (non-COVID illness) are probable.
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