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The Dallas Mavericks secured a commanding 119-99 victory over the Chicago Bulls in the National Basketball Association (NBA), further fueling the team’s confidence as they set their sights on playoff contention and championship aspirations. Despite the strong performance, the Mavs face looming challenges, with key players sidelined by injuries ahead of their upcoming games.
Injuries pile up for Mavericks
Following their impressive win against the Bulls, the Mavericks now face the confirmed absence of two important players — Dereck Lively II and PJ Washington—who are both expected to miss at least the next game. The team is already managing the absence of several players, including Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, and Kyrie Irving, all of whom have missed time due to injury.
According to Mavericks insider Joey Mistretta, the injuries to Lively II and Washington come at a critical point in the season, as the team prepares for their next matchup against the Phoenix Suns. The loss of these two key contributors will undoubtedly test the Mavericks’ depth and resilience.
Lively II and Washington’s injury updates
Dereck Lively II, a key bench player for the Mavs, sustained shoulder pain during the team's game against the Orlando Magic. His injury is being closely monitored, with evaluations underway to determine whether his recovery will take several weeks or a shorter period. On the other hand, PJ Washington, who had been playing through knee pain after the game against the Pacers, will also undergo further medical assessments before a timeline for his return can be established.
Key contributions from Lively II and Washington
Both Lively II and Washington have played crucial roles in the Mavericks' success this season. Lively II, a versatile player off the bench, has provided valuable depth for head coach Jason Kidd’s rotation. He’s averaged 9.3 points per game in six appearances, shooting an impressive 70.6% from the field, and has averaged 23 minutes per game.
Meanwhile, PJ Washington has been a consistent presence in the Mavericks' starting lineup, playing alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Over seven games, Washington has averaged 32.6 minutes, scoring 9.4 points per game and contributing significantly in rebounding with 7.7 boards per game.
Mavericks power through without key players
Despite the injuries to Lively II and Washington, the Mavericks demonstrated their resilience in the win over the Bulls. Luka Doncic delivered a stellar performance, finishing with 27 points, 13 assists, and 7 rebounds. His leadership and all-around game were pivotal in the Mavericks’ fifth win of the season, bringing their record to 5-3. As the team moves forward, the Mavericks will rely heavily on Doncic's form to continue their strong play and stay in the playoff hunt.
Looking ahead
With the absence of key players, the Mavericks will need to lean on their depth and continue performing at a high level to stay competitive. As the season progresses, the health and availability of Lively II and Washington will remain a critical factor in the team’s pursuit of championship glory.
