The Dallas Mavericks welcome the Milwaukee Bucks amidst a three-game homestand. On Thursday, the Mavericks survived against a Hornets team playing without LaMelo Ball. The 25-year-old big man Moses Brown became the unlikely hero for the night, scoring 20 points and grabbing 11 rebounds completing a double-double. His services were required as a result of Dallas’ long injury list.

Nonetheless, Brown was well-complimented by veteran superstars Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson. Together the two chipped in 43 points, ensuring the Mavericks’ victory. But Dallas will need all the help they can get with Milwaukee in town. More so, because the Bucks recently got their ace Giannis Antetokounmpo back from injury. To match up against the Greek Freak Dallas would hope PJ Washington is good to go, but is he? Here’s the latest update.

Is PJ Washington available against Milwaukee? Mavericks injury report ahead of a vital clash

The Mavericks have been hard-hit by injuries this season. So much so that at this point it would be easier to name the players who are fit. With the Bucks firing on all cylinders winning four of their last five matchups, Dallas will need to be at their best. For this, they’ll need players like PJ Washington. So, is the 26-year-old ready to suit up? Well, maybe as Washington is questionable for tonight’s game.

This unfortunately comes as a result of an ankle injury he sustained earlier. The power forward has been a key piece for Dallas and anchored them this season. So, not having him might hurt their chances of getting a win tonight. Washington has averaged 14.2 points and 8.2 rebounds so far this season. Well, the Mavericks’ injury problems don’t just end here. They will once again be without newly acquired superstar Anthony Davis.

The 31-year-old forward is recovering from a left adductor strain and is scheduled to be re-evaluated in the coming weeks. Moving on, Dallas will also be without two of their big men as Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II are ruled out. Gafford has been solid this season averaging a healthy 12.3 points while shooting an impressive 69.9 percent from the field. Whereas Lively II has been averaging 9.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. The absence of these two has massively affected Dallas’ defensive identity and cost them a lot of points.

Lastly, Mavericks’ No. 16 Caleb Martin is also out with a hip injury. He has also been a great performer for his team and will be missed tonight. However, amidst this injury crisis, there has been a bright spot for Dallas. As per, journalist Grant Afseth, veteran Dwight Powell is no longer on the injury report. The 33-year-old’s return to massively help the Mavericks cause. Although his stats might not reflect, Powell can help out whenever needed. This leads us to one question: how will the Mavericks line up?

How will the Mavericks starting five look like amid the injury crisis?

With several players unavailable for tonight’s encounter, head coach Jason Kidd will have to come up with a plan ‘B’ to get past Milwaukee. Well, the availability of Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson will help his cause significantly. Moreover, the recent performance by Moses Brown should be a sigh of relief. That paired with the return of Dwight Powell should be enough to cover the center spot.

So, here’s how the Dallas Mavericks could start:

Ultimately, this looks like a promising frontcourt matchup. Giannis Antetokounmpo going up against Naji Marshall and Moses Brown is a tough matchup. However, given the injury problems in Dallas, the Bucks look more favored to grab the dub tonight. This is given that the Mavericks will have difficulty containing Giannis and Damian Lillard. Nonetheless, let’s see what goes down at the American Airlines Center tonight.