Are PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford playing tonight? Mavericks vs Thunder

The Dallas Mavericks will begin Friday night’s road game against the Oklahoma City Thunder with some key players listed as questionable on the injury report. After a strong three-game winning streak, including an impressive home victory over the Miami Heat, the Mavericks are looking to extend their momentum despite injury concerns. Here’s the latest on the team’s health heading into the game.

Washington & Gafford’s injury status against the Thunder

Power forward PJ Washington and the center Daniel Gafford both are officially listed as questionable for the Mavericks with right ankle issues.

Washington is dealing with a sprained right ankle, while Gafford is dealing with a right ankle injury after leaving the Heat game earlier this week and they can’t go back.

ClutchPoints’ Joey Mistretta confirmed the updates, noting that both players’ availability will likely be determined shortly before tip-off.

Their involvement could have a significant impact, as Washington provides floor spacing and defensive versatility, while Gafford’s size and rebounding presence are critical to the Mavericks’ frontcourt rotation.

Mavericks’ injury status

In addition to Washington and Gafford, the Mavericks are dealing with several other injuries. Dante Exum remains sidelined with a right knee injury, while Kyrie Irving continues to recover from left knee surgery and will not play.

Guard Cooper Flagg is listed as available despite the right thumb splint, and forward Derek Lively II is out with a right leg injury.

The Mavericks have struggled to maintain consistency this season, going 8-15, but Anthony Davis’ return to the lineup has helped spark a three-game winning streak.

Staying healthy will be key if Dallas hopes to continue building momentum and climb the standings in 2025-26.

Lightning injury status

Thunder also has multiple injury concerns starts the match on Friday. Alex Caruso (right quad), Lugenz Dort (right adductor), Isaiah Hartenstein (right soleus), Tomas Sorber (right ACL) and Nikola Topic (surgical recovery) are sidelined.

On the plus side, Brooks Barnheiser and Chris Youngblood are listed as likely two-way players, while Branden Karlsson is available after a broken nose.

Both teams will need to manage their rotations carefully, given the number of absences, making player health updates for Washington and Gafford especially important for Mavericks fans following the team’s three-game hitting streak.