The injury lists keep growing, but at least for one night, the Dallas Mavericks won’t have to deal with Zion Williamson.

The New Orleans Pelicans announced Tuesday that Williamson will miss at least a week with a Grade 1 strain in his left hamstring, keeping him sidelined when the team faces Dallas on Wednesday at American Airlines Center. The Pelicans, still searching for their first win of the season, said Williamson will be reevaluated in seven to 10 days.

It’s another setback for a player who’s struggled to stay healthy throughout his career. Williamson has played in five of New Orleans’ six games this season, missing one due to a left foot bone bruise. He’s averaging 22.8 points per game, but durability continues to be an issue — having missed more games (268) than he’s played (214) since being drafted first overall in 2019.

Dallas Mavericks Injuries Piling Up

While the Pelicans are shorthanded, the Mavericks are no picture of health themselves. Anthony Davis remains out with a left calf strain, and both Dereck Lively II and Danté Exum are sidelined with right knee injuries. Kyrie Irving is also unavailable as he continues to recover from left knee surgery, leaving Daniel Gafford, Dwight Powell, and Moussa Cissé as the team’s only true healthy centers.

The Mavericks (2–5) have been forced to navigate the early part of the season without much continuity in their rotation. The team was tied at 101 against Houston on Monday before faltering late in a 110–102 loss, their second straight defeat.

It’s a cautious approach — a contrast from last season when Dallas raced to a 19–10 start before injuries and midseason chaos derailed a promising campaign that ended without a playoff appearance.

P.J. Washington Stepping Up Amid Adversity

One bright spot for Dallas has been P.J. Washington, who’s been one of the few constants in the lineup. Washington is averaging just under 16 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, and he’s found ways to contribute even as his three-point shot has yet to fully click.

“My teammates told me to be aggressive, so that’s what I’m doing,” Washington said after scoring 29 points with 12 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block in the loss to the Rockets.

His production has been crucial with so many key players sidelined. The Mavericks will need more of that Wednesday if they’re going to avoid a third consecutive loss and take advantage of a struggling Pelicans team.

Opportunity Ahead

Dallas enters a softer stretch of its schedule, with upcoming games against New Orleans (0–6 before Tuesday’s game), Memphis (3–5), and Washington (1–6) — teams with a combined 4–17 record as of Tuesday. It’s a chance to regroup and regain footing before the schedule tightens again.

The Mavericks have won four of their last five meetings with the Pelicans, including three straight at home. Two of Dallas’ current players — Anthony Davis and Naji Marshall — have past ties to New Orleans. Davis was drafted No. 1 overall by the Pelicans in 2012, and Marshall began his career there as an undrafted rookie in 2020.

Meanwhile, New Orleans continues to look for offensive consistency without Williamson. Jordan Poole has averaged 18.3 points per game, while rookie Derik Queen has provided encouraging flashes, averaging 7.8 points and 4.3 rebounds in under 18 minutes per game.

The Pelicans and Mavericks tip off at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at American Airlines Center.

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