INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Dallas Mavericks guard Naji Marshall left Tuesday night’s 116-103 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in the fourth quarter with a hip contusion, head coach Jason Kidd confirmed after the game.
Marshall finished with 6 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 steals in 19 minutes before exiting. Kidd said the team has not ruled Marshall out for Wednesday’s road game against the Phoenix Suns but acknowledged the quick turnaround as a concern.
“He left the game with a hip contusion,” Kidd said. “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow. It’s a quick turnaround — not ruling him out right now, but we’ll see how he feels.”
Naji Marshall’s Role in the Dallas Mavericks’ Lineup
In 74 games this season, Marshall has averaged 15.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 51.0% from the field. His continued development has made him one of Dallas’s most reliable contributors amid a difficult rebuild.
Marshall has often started alongside Max Christie and Cooper Flagg lately. If he is unable to play in Phoenix, it will shake up the Mavericks’ approach to their lineup — though how they adjust remains unclear until the full availability picture comes into focus.
Who Steps Up If Naji Marshall Can’t Go?
Ryan Nembhard received more opportunities on Tuesday with Brandon Williams out in Los Angeles, making him a logical candidate for a larger role. Two-way contract players John Poulakidas, Tyler Smith, and Moussa Cissé will be names to monitor, as will AJ Johnson if the injury report is extensive.
Marvin Bagley III and Daniel Gafford have both been managing shoulder injuries and are additional names to watch on the second night of a back-to-back. Klay Thompson has had rest nights on back-to-backs throughout the season, particularly since the All-Star break. P.J. Washington, who sat out Tuesday in Los Angeles, is another name worth tracking — his availability would give Dallas more flexibility in constructing lineups.
An Already Thin Roster Gets Thinner
The injury adds to an already depleted Mavericks roster. Dallas was without Gafford, Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, Williams, and Washington on Tuesday night. The Mavericks have used 41 different starting lineups in 79 games this season and have not had any starting lineup together for more than 6 games.
Kidd indicated the injury report will shape the team’s approach heading into Phoenix.
“First, it’s understanding who’s going to be available,” Kidd said. “It’s a next-man-up mentality because it doesn’t look like we’ll have everyone. There will be plenty of minutes for others. Once we know who’s available, we’ll make the game plan and go from there.”
NBA teams must submit their injury report by 1 p.m. local time on the second night of a back-to-back. The Mavericks continue their three-game road trip Wednesday against the Suns at 9 p.m. CT at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. Check back with Dallas Hoops Journal for updates.
More Dallas Mavericks Coverage Before Facing the Phoenix Suns
- ‘It Brought Me Back to My High School Days’: Cooper Flagg Quiets ‘The Wall’ As Dallas Mavericks Fall To Los Angeles Clippers
- ‘A Dream Come True’: Cooper Flagg Makes NBA History Again As Dallas Mavericks End 14-Game Home Skid With 134-128 Win Over Los Angeles Lakers
- ‘That’s What Paul Silas Did For Me’: LeBron James Draws Parallel Between His Rookie Role And Cooper Flagg’s
- ‘He Will Be Unstoppable’: Cooper Flagg’s Three-Point Statement Gives Blueprint For NBA Dominance
- ‘They’re Very Similar’: Jason Kidd Breaks Down The LeBron James Parallels For Cooper Flagg
- ‘He’s In Rare Air’: Cooper Flagg Scores 51 Points In Historic Performance, But Dallas Mavericks Fall To Orlando Magic
- ‘He’s Given Me That Confidence’: Cooper Flagg Credits Jason Kidd For Playmaking Evolution
- ‘I’ve Learned A Lot’: Khris Middleton Is Helping Cooper Flagg Grow As A Professional Scorer
