PJ Washington exits Rockets-Mavericks game with ankle injury

Yesterday at 04:31 PM

DALLAS — PJ Washington suffered a right ankle sprain during the second quarter of the Dallas Mavericks’ game against the Houston Rockets on Saturday. The team announced during halftime that the forward will not return. The Mavericks lead the Rockets 65-48 at the half and Anthony Davis has played well in his Mavs debut, but the Washington injury is certainly far from ideal.

AD’s strong performance early in the game led to excitement after Mavs fans protested the Luka Doncic trade before the contest. The Washington injury led to concern, however.

PJ Washington suffers injury scare during Rockets vs. Mavericks game

Washington, 26, entered Saturday’s game averaging 14.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per outing so far this season. He has played a pivotal role in helping to keep the Mavs above the .500 mark despite all of the injuries the team has endured. Dallas is certainly hopeful that his ankle injury will not prove to be too serious.

As for the game itself, the Mavs unquestionably started strong. As mentioned, they held a comfortable lead at the half. However, the Rockets have fought back in the third quarter. Dallas holds just a four-point lead as of this story’s writing.

The Mavericks would love to earn a big victory in Anthony Davis’ debut with the team. Fans are frustrated about losing Luka Doncic in the trade, but a win would help matters. Earning the victory without PJ Washington will prove to be a difficult challenge, however. Dallas features a better team when Washington is on the floor.

The Mavs will provide further updates on Washington’s status over the next few days. The last thing this team needs is for another key player to have to miss a significant amount of time.

For now, the Mavericks will attempt to defeat the Rockets in a potential postseason preview.

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