The Dallas Mavericks enter their final game before the All-Star break, managing multiple injury questions across the rotation. Naji Marshall is listed as questionable with a left foot strain and did not participate in shootaround ahead of Thursday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. Marshall has averaged 15.0 points and 5.0 rebounds in 52 games this season.
Caleb Martin is also questionable with a left ankle sprain, but did take part in shootaround. His availability could carry added importance with Dallas already without Cooper Flagg, who remains sidelined with a left midfoot sprain.
Flagg leads the Mavericks with 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. He will also miss Friday’s Rising Stars event.
Two-way players Moussa Cissé, Ryan Nembhard and Miles Kelly are doubtful.
“Next Man Up” Without Cooper Flagg
Forward P.J. Washington said the mindset heading into the final game before the break is simple.
“Um, come out here, play hard, play a good brand of basketball,” Washington said. “We’ve been losing a couple games, so trying to get back on track. Just came out regular.”
Without Flagg’s production, Washington emphasized a collective approach.
“Next man up mentality,” Washington said. “He’s one of the better players in this league, even though he’s so young. So just trying to fill his shoes. It’s gonna take a bunch of us, so just come out, play together, move the ball, and just try to make the right play every time.”
Washington acknowledged the disappointment of Flagg missing the Rising Stars showcase.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s tough,” Washington said. “Injuries are a part of it, but we just want him to be back healthy and whatever that is, we’ll be fine with it. Just want him to experience everything he’s gonna experience. So he’s gonna have a great career.”
Supporting New Dallas Mavericks Faces
With recent roster changes, Washington said part of his role is helping new teammates adjust.
“I think it’s good,” Washington said. “We got some new faces, so just trying to incorporate them, trying to help them a little bit better, learn our needs and rotation. So just trying. I just want them to be able to know that I’m a guy that’s here to help. Anything they may need, whether it’s praise, anything, whatever to them. It’s a new city, so they don’t really know much about it. So I’m from here.”
As Dallas evaluates its wing rotation with Marshall and Martin uncertain, Washington praised Max Christie’s continued development.
“Next man up mentality,” Washington said. “I mean, obviously, he’s been good. Confidence when he shoots the ball — one of the best shooters. Been putting in work offseason, during season as well. It’s gonna be something special.”
When asked about Christie not being selected for the three-point contest despite his numbers, Washington was direct.
“It’s insane,” Washington said. “But he’s one of the best in the league, so it is what it is.”
Preparing for the Los Angeles Lakers
The Mavericks (19-34) will face a Lakers team without Luka Dončić, who remains sidelined with a strained left hamstring. Washington noted how his presence typically alters defensive priorities.
“It’ll be different,” Washington said. “Obviously, they’re gonna play different. So I mean, Luka brings so much gravity. They have great players in Austin Reaves and LeBron as well. So the main focus will be on them and just trying to slow them down and obviously just do the things we need to do to win.”
Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. EST at Crypto.com Arena as Dallas looks to close the pre-break stretch with momentum.
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