Washington, Lively II, and Davis questionable against the Clippers. Mavericks navigate another injury-plagued game, seeking crucial wins.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks are heading into Friday’s matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers facing the same uncertainty that defined their loss to the Phoenix Suns, as head coach Jason Kidd said Thursday that P.J. Washington, Dereck Lively II and Anthony Davis all remain questionable while the team works through a crowded injury report.
Kidd said Washington is still being evaluated after a left shoulder strain forced him out of Wednesday’s 123–114 loss to Phoenix just six minutes into the game. The injury came on a night when the Mavericks were already without Kyrie Irving, Davis and Lively II, and it immediately altered the rotation.
During his medical update Thursday, Kidd said each of Washington, Lively II and Davis did some work on the court but remain day-to-day. He reiterated that Irving and Danté Exum are still out.
The loss of Washington further strained an already depleted frontcourt. Washington has averaged 14.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists through 12 games, emerging as one of Dallas’ most dependable early-season contributors. Kidd said losing him so quickly shifted the team’s approach.
After detailing the setback, Kidd said Washington’s early exit “put us down a guy who’s playing well for us,” adding that Dallas had to adjust its spacing and matchups on the fly.
Rookie forward Cooper Flagg said Washington has been “incredible” and “key for us” this season, emphasizing how much his two-way stability has meant for an injury-hit roster. Flagg added that losing Washington compounded the difficulty of playing through his own shoulder discomfort Wednesday.
The Mavericks fell behind by 18 in the third quarter before riding the loudest crowd they’ve had all year back into the game, pulling within 114–110 on a Max Christie fast-break dunk. But 21 turnovers — which led to 31 Phoenix points — ultimately derailed Dallas’ comeback. Kidd said Thursday that fourth-quarter giveaways remain one of the team’s biggest issues.
“We’re 28th in turnovers in the fourth,” Kidd said after Thursday's practice, stressing the need for patience and decision-making late in games.
Kidd also discussed Flagg’s development, noting that at 18 years old he continues to take on top defenders while serving as a primary creator. Kidd said film work and live experience remain essential teaching tools.
Flagg’s defensive instincts have been one of Dallas’ few consistent bright spots, including a chase-down block on Devin Booker on Wednesday. Kidd said the rookie “plays both sides of the ball at a high level” and has been impressive on and off the ball.
If Washington misses time, Dallas may again rely heavily on Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall and Moussa Cissé. Kidd praised Cissé for his rim running, rebounding and ability to alter shots, noting how his energy lifts the bench.
As for Friday’s opponent, Kidd said defending James Harden’s orchestration and keeping Ivica Zubac out of the paint will be critical to Dallas staying competitive while short-handed. Zubac, Kidd noted, is seeing more defensive attention this season but remains “a dominant center” who punishes teams inside.
The Mavericks enter the game at 3–9, still searching for stability amid nonstop injuries. Whether Washington, Lively II or Davis can return Friday remains unclear.