Two Key Players Ruled OUT for Dallas Mavericks vs Denver Nuggets

Two key players have been ruled out for the Denver Nuggets vs Dallas Mavericks game

Mar 17, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) grabs the ball in front of Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Denver Nuggets have been able to stay undefeated during their five-game home stand and have a chance to cap it off at 5-0 when they host the Dallas Mavericks tonight. While the Nuggets will still be without forward Aaron Gordon as he nurses a calf strain, they'll get a boost with two key Mavericks set to miss the contest.

According to NBA reporter Grant Afseth, the Mavericks will be without center Dereck Lively II (right shoulder sprain) and P.J. Washington (right knee sprain). Additionally, star guard Luka Doncic is listed as a game-time decision as he deals with a groin strain.

Full Mavs injury notes vs. Nuggets:

Luka Dončić (left groin strain) is a game-time decision.

Maxi Kleber (right hamstring strain) is available to play.

Dereck Lively II (right shoulder sprain), P.J. Washington (right knee sprain), and Danté Exum (right wrist surgery) are out.

— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) November 10, 2024

Now, in his second season, Lively has shown statistical improvements across the board in the six games he has appeared in this year. Lively is averaging 9.3 points and 8.2 rebounds while coming off the bench for Dallas. With Lively out, Daniel Gafford will assume a bigger role as he'll be tasked with defending the league's top center Nikola Jokic.

As for Washington, it will be his third missed game of the season as he's struggled to start the year. After being a key to the Mavericks' playoff success last year, he's started the season averaging just 9.4 points per game and shooting 22.6% from beyond the arc. Given head coach Jason Kidd's rotations in his absence, Naji Marshall is expected to fill his role in the starting lineup.

3️⃣J Washington 🎯 pic.twitter.com/GHpJoIpcMS

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) October 27, 2024

With a win tonight and a Minnesota Timberwolves loss, the Nuggets can take sole possession of the fourth seed in the Western Conference and potentially climb higher with a Golden State Warriors loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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