The Dallas Mavericks wrap up a two-game road trip Saturday against the Washington Wizards, searching for answers after their fourth consecutive loss. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. CT at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., airing on KFAA-29 and streaming on MavsTV.
The Mavericks (2–7) are navigating the early part of the season without their full frontcourt rotation as injuries to Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford continue to shape nightly availability. The Wizards (1–8) are also on a back-to-back after suffering a 148–114 home loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in NBA Cup play.
How to Watch Dallas Mavericks vs. Washington Wizards
Date: Saturday, Nov. 8
Time: 6:00 p.m. CT
Location: Capital One Arena — Washington, D.C.
TV: KFAA-29, MavsTV Stream
Radio: 97.1 FM The Eagle; 99.1 FM Zona MX (Spanish)
Dallas Mavericks Injury Report
Questionable: Anthony Davis (Left Calf Strain), Daniel Gafford (Right Ankle Sprain)
Doubtful: Dereck Lively II (Right Knee Sprain)
Out: Kyrie Irving (Left Knee Surgery), Danté Exum (Right Knee Injury Management)
Washington Wizards Injury Report
Questionable: Kyshawn George (Illness)
Out: Bilal Coulibaly (Left Calf Contusion), Khris Middleton (Right Knee Injury Management)
The Theme: “No One’s Coming to Save Us”
Friday’s 118–104 loss in Memphis offered a glimpse of the frustration brewing within the Mavericks’ locker room. Max Christie, who scored 18 points to lead Dallas, was blunt postgame about the team’s effort level.
“We had no energy at all, to be honest,” Christie said. “That fourth quarter we actually played with some life. A quick turnaround tomorrow going into Washington — we have to play with that kind of energy. We had no energy for the first three quarters.”
At halftime, Christie said the message among players was simple: accountability.
“We were all communicating at halftime like, ‘What can we do? No one’s coming to save us,’” Christie said. “This isn’t even on the coaches. The coaches are doing everything they can. They’re giving us the answers to the test with the scouting reports. But us as players, we are not executing at all.”
The Mavericks have been competitive in spurts, but extended droughts — including a 40-point second quarter allowed in Memphis — have erased chances to build momentum. Head coach Jason Kidd agreed that the group’s consistency and self-starting mentality must improve.
“It’s on everybody,” Kidd said. “We can always say the players can be better, but we all have to be better. We were soft as a group to start, and they got a lot of easy shots. We just could never recover.”
Injury Outlook: Updates on Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford
The Mavericks may soon regain frontcourt stability with Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford all traveling on the two-game trip and progressing toward full returns.
Davis, who has missed four straight games with a left calf strain, was upgraded to questionable. Kidd said before Friday’s game in Memphis that the team is encouraged by his progress.
“He seems in good spirits, and I think he’s doing fine health-wise,” Kidd said. “So we’ll see. But I don’t know about tomorrow.”
Lively, who has missed five games due to a right knee sprain, was upgraded to doubtful, signaling that he is nearing a return. Kidd noted earlier this week that he has resumed on-court work.
“Lively’s been participating on court and he’s doing well,” Kidd said. “He’s hopefully back by next week.”
Gafford, who exited Friday’s game with right ankle soreness after just 12 minutes, remains questionable. Kidd said the team will re-evaluate him before tipoff.
“Yeah, sore right ankle,” Kidd said. “We’ll see how he feels in D.C. That’s just the nature of this thing.”
P.J. Washington Continues to Anchor Dallas’ Frontcourt
With Davis, Lively, and Gafford all managing injuries, P.J. Washington has been the stabilizing force in Dallas’ frontcourt. Kidd praised his ability to adapt to small-ball lineups and provide production on both ends.
“Just due to the health of our team, we’ve had to go small,” Kidd said. “P.J.’s shown that — being able to shoot the three, playmake, and score. He’s been incredible.”
Washington leads the team in minutes played (33.6) while averaging 15.6 points and 8.3 rebounds. His versatility and durability have helped the Mavericks remain competitive despite missing three rotation bigs.
Searching for Energy and Identity
Moussa Cissé provided a spark off the bench in Memphis, posting 10 points and eight rebounds in 14 minutes. His hustle stood out to both Kidd and Christie as Dallas looks to rediscover its defensive edge.
“Moussa came in and gave us life,” Christie said. “He was flying around, getting rebounds, blocking shots, running the floor — that’s what we need more of.”
Kidd echoed that sentiment, noting the importance of energy players setting the tone.
“He plays hard — that’s how he plays,” Kidd said. “He’s out there to prove that he belongs. He’s hungry, and that’s what stands out when you watch him play.”
What’s at Stake
Saturday’s matchup marks the Mavericks’ final stop before a four-game homestand against Milwaukee, Phoenix, the Clippers, and Portland. Dallas is looking to avenge a 117–107 loss to Washington on Oct. 24 — the Wizards’ only win this season.
Anthony Davis had 27 points and 13 rebounds in that contest, while Cooper Flagg and P.J. Washington added 18 points apiece. For the Wizards, rookie Kyshawn George exploded for 34 points and 11 rebounds, and Tre Johnson added 17 points in his return to Dallas.
The Mavericks hope renewed urgency and energy — the message repeated by Christie and Kidd — can help them reclaim footing before the schedule tightens.
As Christie said Friday night: “No one’s coming to save us. We just have to figure it out.”
Latest Dallas Mavericks News & NBA Rumors