The NBA landscape was rocked this week by major injury updates involving two key players: Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II and Charlotte Hornets forward PJ Washington. These developments are expected to have a significant impact on both teams’ rosters and playoff aspirations moving forward. As teams gear up for the final stretch of the regular season, the health of these players will shape their strategies, playing rotations, and, potentially, their postseason outlook.
Dallas Mavericks fans were anxiously awaiting updates on the status of 20-year-old center Dereck Lively II, who has been one of the bright spots in an otherwise unpredictable season for the team. The Mavericks’ defense, often criticized in recent seasons, had found new hope in Lively’s rim protection and rebounding presence. Lively was emerging as a crucial piece alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, providing a much-needed interior defender who could complement the Mavericks’ offensive firepower.
However, on Sunday, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd confirmed that Lively would be sidelined for at least four to six weeks due to a sprained ankle sustained during a game against the Phoenix Suns last Friday. The injury occurred in the first quarter after Lively landed awkwardly while attempting to block a shot. Early reports suggest that the injury, while not severe enough to require surgery, will require a period of rest and rehabilitation.
This is a significant blow for Dallas, as Lively had quickly earned a starting role and was averaging 9.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game in his rookie campaign. His ability to alter shots in the paint had made a noticeable difference in the Mavericks’ defensive rating, which had been one of the worst in the league last season. The 7-foot rookie’s absence will place a heavy burden on veteran big men like Maxi Kleber and Christian Wood, both of whom will likely see increased minutes in Lively’s absence.
The injury also puts additional pressure on the Mavs’ front office to explore trade options ahead of the February deadline. With playoff aspirations still very much alive, the Mavericks will need to find ways to fill the gap left by Lively’s absence, especially given their shaky defensive consistency over the last few seasons.
“It’s unfortunate,” said Kidd in his postgame press conference. “Dereck has been a huge part of what we’ve been building here, but we’ll adjust and find a way to keep moving forward. We’ll be asking more from some of the other guys, and we’re confident we’ll keep our defense competitive.”
The Mavericks, who have been hovering around the middle of the Western Conference standings, will need a collective effort to stay in playoff contention until Lively returns. The injury may also accelerate the development of other young players like Jaden Ivey and Josh Green, who could be tasked with filling larger roles in the coming weeks.
Across the league, Charlotte Hornets fans are also bracing for the fallout of an injury that has sent shockwaves through the franchise. Forward PJ Washington, a crucial piece of the Hornets’ frontcourt, is set to miss at least six weeks after suffering a Grade 2 calf strain during a game against the Orlando Magic on Saturday. Washington had been playing some of his best basketball of the season before the injury, averaging 15.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. His ability to stretch the floor, score in the post, and contribute defensively made him one of the Hornets’ most reliable players.
The Hornets’ official statement regarding Washington’s injury revealed that while the calf strain was not season-ending, it would require extensive rehabilitation. The news came at a time when Charlotte had been showing signs of progress, with young players like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller starting to gel. Washington’s injury now raises questions about the Hornets’ ability to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference, where they’ve been teetering just below playoff contention.
“We feel for PJ; he’s worked incredibly hard to get to this point,” said Hornets head coach Steve Clifford. “We have to stay focused on the next man up, but it’s a tough loss for us.”
Washington’s absence will likely mean more minutes for players like Jalen McDaniels and rookie center Mark Williams, who will need to step up both offensively and defensively. For McDaniels, this represents a significant opportunity to prove himself as a versatile forward who can contribute on both ends of the floor. For Williams, it’s a chance to establish himself as a future centerpiece in Charlotte’s frontcourt.
The implications of both injuries cannot be overstated. For Dallas, Lively’s absence comes at a crucial time in their push for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference. While the Mavericks have relied heavily on their offensive stars, Dončić and Irving, the team’s defense has been the major point of improvement this season. Lively was integral to their defensive systems, and his absence leaves a noticeable gap in the paint. If Dallas is to maintain its position in the playoff race, they will need to find ways to overcome this deficiency—whether through internal growth or by making a move to bolster their frontcourt depth.
For Charlotte, Washington’s injury presents a similar challenge, though with even greater long-term implications. The Hornets have spent the last few years rebuilding around their young talent, and Washington has been a key part of that effort. The team’s hopes of making a postseason push this year largely depended on continued development from Ball, Miller, and Washington. Without him, the Hornets face a difficult test in staying competitive in a crowded Eastern Conference. While Charlotte is not considered a strong contender this season, Washington’s injury will complicate their ability to build momentum and may delay their timeline for returning to playoff contention.
While both Lively and Washington face uncertain timelines for full recovery, their respective teams are rallying to adjust to the new reality. Lively’s recovery will be closely monitored, with the Mavericks hoping that he will be back in time to play a role in the team’s playoff push. Similarly, the Hornets will need to lean on their remaining veterans and young players to fill the void left by Washington as they attempt to stay competitive in his absence.
Both teams face a crucial period ahead, and how they navigate these injuries will likely shape their future direction. For the Mavericks, Lively’s development as a young centerpiece is a key component of their long-term vision. For the Hornets, Washington’s absence tests the franchise’s resilience, but could also open the door for other players to take on more responsibility and prove themselves as future building blocks.
Ultimately, the next few weeks could define the trajectory of both teams’ seasons, with their playoff hopes and roster stability hanging in the balance. As the NBA season moves forward, these two teams will be closely watched for how they adjust to the absence of two of their most promising young players