The Dallas Mavericks have some injury concerns as they conclude their season-high-tying five-game homestand against the Phoenix Suns on Friday. PJ Washington, Maxi Kleber, and Dereck Lively II were sidelined for the Mavs’ victory over Chicago last night. Will they miss more time?
Despite being without three of their top five big men, Dallas improved to 5-3 on the season with a resounding 119-99 victory over Chicago. Luka Doncic led the way with 27 points and 13 assists for his second-straight double-double and fourth of the season. Kyrie Irving and Daniel Gafford tossed in 17 points apiece to pace four other Mavs in double-figures, while 12 of the 14 players who saw time scored.
With Wednesday’s victory, Dallas improved to 2-2 on their five-game homestand and 4-2 overall at American Airlines Arena. However, according to Jason Kidd via Brad Townsend of the Dallas News, the Mavericks won’t have Lively or Washington versus the Suns and possibly longer.
Washington will miss his second straight game with a sprained right knee. While Washington is the Mavericks starting power forward, the 26-year-old has been highly inefficient this year. He has scored in double-figures three times and produced one double-double.
Washington is averaging 9.4 points on 9.4 shot attempts and 7.7 rebounds while shooting 42.4/22.6/37.5. Despite his struggles offensively, he has done an excellent job finishing around the rim and makes 63% of his shots 10 feet and within.
Washington is better known for his defense and has done an outstanding job on that end in the early going. The 6-6 forward holds his check to 41.7% field goal percentage and 33.0% from the 3-point line.
Lively will miss his third straight game with a right shoulder strain. Despite not starting, Lively and Gifford give the Mavericks one of the top defensive center units in the league.
Lively is exceptionally efficiency around the rim, an outstanding rebounder and shot-blocker. He is also a physical defender around the rim, holding opponents to 44.7% shooting within six feet of the basket.
Lively has shown improvement offensively and on the glass, though fouling has been an issue. He averages nearly four points per game despite playing less than half the game. Lively, who has produced two double-doubles in his six appearances, has scored in double-figures three times and grabbed 10 or more boards on three occasions. He averages 9.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists a game.
With Washington out, Naji Marshall is in line to start his second straight game. Known as a defensive ace, Marshall followed up one of the best offensive games of his career against Indiana with eight points, two steals, and two rebound performances versus the Bulls. He was 4 of 7 from the field and finished with a +21 plus/minus rating.
Marshall, who played the first fours of his career in New Orleans, has come off the bench most of his career. However, he does have starting experience and has been much more productive. In 31 starts, the 26-year-old forward averages 13.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists with shooting splits of 46.1/32.7/73.
Dwight Powell will likely fill Lively’s backup center role as he did against the Bulls. In a season-high 20 minutes, Powell produced his best game of the season versus Chicago with five points, five rebounds, one block, and two steals.
However, Kleber may be available. Kleber has ramped up his recovery and has upgraded to doubtful for tomorrow’s game, per Townsend. He participated in some shooting drills today.
While it is good news that Kleber is back practicing, he will likely miss his seventh consecutive game. Kleber has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury against Phoenix on October 26.
Kleber is the Mavericks’ best offensive big man besides Washington. He is also a strong defender who can play both frontcourt spots.
Kleber will likely split time with Marshall at the four if he is cleared to play. In that case, Olivier-Maxence Prosper projects to be the Mavericks’ fifth frontcourt option against the Suns. Kleber could also take some of Powell’s minutes at center.
Prosper, known for his defensive ability, saw sparse action in 40 appearances last season. He hasn’t seen much action this year, though he did score six points on 3 of 8 shooting and grab an offensive rebound in two minutes versus the Bulls. All three of the 6-8 athletic power forward’s rebounds have been on the offensive end.
Phoenix’s Injury Report
Phoenix enters Friday’s contest with the league’s second-longest win streak at six. The Suns sit atop the Western Conference with Oklahoma City and Golden State at 7-1. The Suns have been relatively healthy, with Bradley Beal and Grayson Allen being the only players in coach Mike Budenholzer’s regular rotation.
However, according to Duane Rankin of Arizona Republic, the Suns will be without Ryan Dunn against Dallas tomorrow. Dunn is listed as doubtful for the game due to an ankle injury. He sprained his left ankle in the Suns’ victory over Miami on Wednesday.
Dunn has been a significant part of the Suns’ rotation this season, appearing in all eight games and starting two contests. The 6-8 forward averages 6.8 points and 2.3 rebounds with shooting splits of 45.5/39.4/50 in 16 minutes. He has scored in double figures in both his starts.
While Dunn is seeing regular minutes, he has been the Suns’ ninth man. So, with the Suns pretty deep, his absence won’t be a huge issue. Unless Bradley Beal is unable to play. Beal is listed as probable (right elbow sprain) as he has been dealing with the elbow ailment for quite some time
If Dunn can’t go tomorrow, Monte Morris and Damion Lee are in line to see an uptick.
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