Mavericks Face Off Against 76ers Without PJ Washington Amid Losing Streak
The Dallas Mavericks will aim to snap their two-game losing streak this Tuesday evening when they visit the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. However, the Mavs will be missing a key player, as forward PJ Washington has been listed out for personal reasons, per Joey Mistretta of ClutchPoints.
This marks the second consecutive game Washington will miss. He also sat out last Sunday’s 144-101 blowout loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers due to a right knee issue. Although his knee seems to have healed, Washington is now absent for different reasons. The Mavs will need to adjust once again without one of their top scorers.
PJ Washington’s Impact on the Mavericks
Washington, who has been a reliable contributor for Dallas, is averaging 14.4 points per game on 43.9% shooting from the field and 38.0% from three-point range in the 2024-25 NBA season. Over his last six games, he has stepped up his performance, posting 22.5 points per game on 48.0% shooting and 43.3% from deep. His recent form, including a 22-point, 13-rebound performance in a 117-102 loss to the Detroit Pistons last Friday, has made him an important piece of the Mavericks’ lineup.
With Washington out, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, who started against Cleveland, could once again be called upon to join the first five for the Mavericks. This lineup shift will be key for Dallas as they face a 76ers team that has struggled with consistency this season.
Other Key Injuries for Dallas
Aside from Washington, the Mavericks will also be without Dereck Lively II, Dwight Powell, and Anthony Davis for the matchup with the 76ers. Davis, who was part of the major trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, is unavailable due to an abdominal muscle strain.
However, Max Christie, who joined the Mavericks in the blockbuster trade, is available and could potentially make his debut for Dallas on Tuesday. Christie’s presence could add a fresh element to the Mavs’ lineup as they seek to get back on track.
A Crucial Road Game for the Mavericks
Dallas enters this game on the back of two consecutive losses, and the 76ers game marks the penultimate stop on a challenging five-game road trip. The Mavericks will look to close out this stretch with a much-needed win before heading to Boston on Thursday to face the reigning NBA champions, the Boston Celtics, at TD Garden.
The absence of key players and the struggle to find consistent form has put pressure on Dallas, but a strong performance against Philadelphia could give the team the confidence boost it needs to finish this road trip on a high note.
With Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey leading the charge for Philadelphia, this matchup promises to be a competitive contest. However, without Washington, the Mavericks will need to dig deep to overcome the odds and secure a victory in Philadelphia.
