P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford Injury Updates Before Dallas Mavericks Host Miami Heat

Grant AfsethDecember 3, 2025December 3, 2025no comment

P.J Washington, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, NBA

Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks return home Wednesday still managing several key injuries, but with more encouraging signs than they’ve seen in over a week. Cooper Flagg remains available while playing through a right thumb splint, and both P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford — officially listed as questionable with right ankle issues — participated in shootaround after doing the same Monday in Denver.

Dereck Lively II (right foot injury management), Danté Exum (right knee injury management), and Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery) remain out.

Frontcourt Uncertainty Continues as Dallas Seeks Stability

The Mavericks have been thin in the frontcourt for several games, leaving Anthony Davis as the lone healthy regular. Davis, still working through left calf recovery, has averaged 21.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists in seven games this season. His workload has remained heavy as Washington, Gafford and Lively deal with overlapping absences.

Washington’s situation remains one of the key variables. He has averaged 16.0 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 19 games and has been one of Dallas’ steadiest two-way contributors. His ankle sprain occurred during warmups before Saturday’s win over the Clippers, prompting immediate concern because of how closely it mirrored the sprain that kept Gafford out for nearly a month earlier this season.

Kidd said earlier in the week the team is hopeful Washington’s timeline will be shorter.

“He’s out, but hopefully he’s back this week,” Kidd said. “That would be a positive if we can get both of those guys back this week.”

Gafford has averaged 9.4 points, 6.5 rebounds. and 1.5 blocks in 14 games this season and was also present at shootaround. His eventual return would bolster Dallas’ rim protection and interior finishing — areas that have leaned heavily on Davis and small-ball lineups.

Backcourt Reinforcements Ease Pressure

Brandon Williams’ return Monday offered much-needed relief in the backcourt. Williams had been sidelined with a left adductor strain but has averaged 10.7 points, 4.1 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 20 games for the Mavericks this season. With Irving and Exum still unavailable, his presence behind Ryan Nembhard remains important.

Flagg, coming off becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score 35 points in a game, continues to play through his thumb splint and remains available.

Klay Thompson is also available despite battling an illness in Denver and nearly missing Saturday’s win over the Clippers due to left knee injury management. His recent performances — including 17 fourth-quarter points against the Clippers — have been critical with the roster depleted.

Momentum Meets a Tough Test

Dallas has won back-to-back games for the first time since March 27 and 29 of last season, and Wednesday offers its first chance to secure a three-game streak since mid-February. Miami arrives having won seven of its last eight games and enters fresh off a 140–123 win over the Clippers.

The Heat defeated Dallas 106–102 just 10 days ago, but with Washington and Gafford trending upward, and several rotation pieces inching closer to full availability, the Mavericks enter the rematch with their most optimistic health outlook in weeks — and an opportunity to sustain the momentum they’ve finally begun to build.

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Grant Afseth

Senior Writer

Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.

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P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford Injury Updates Before Dallas Mavericks Host Miami Heat