The latest injury news for Golden State’s matchup against Dallas.
The Golden State Warriors are getting ready for one of their biggest games of the young NBA season: a home matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on TNT. It’s a big game for myriad reasons: the Warriors are returning home after five straight games on the road; they’re getting to test themselves against the defending Western Conference champions; it’s their first game that counts for the NBA’s in-season tournament; and, of course, it’s the return of Klay Thompson.
Thankfully for the Dubs, they’re mostly healthy, as they’ve been for the bulk of the year. It’s a fairly empty injury report for Golden State, which is certainly more than Dallas can say.
Here’s the full injury report, as turned in by the NBA at 1:30 p.m. PT.
Warriors
Questionable — Andrew Wiggins (low back strain)
Wiggins has pretty clearly been healthier and more athletic this year than he was last year, but he’s still been hampered by a back lately. He’s missed two games already this year, and is in danger of missing a third, as the team announced on their Monday off-day. Hopefully Wiggins is able to play, as his perimeter defense is vital against a team with Thompson, Kyrie Irving, and Luka Dončić. Thankfully, Wiggins is the only Warrior currently listed on the injury report.
Mavericks
Out — Danté Exum (right wrist surgery)
Exum returned to the NBA last year after two seasons playing overseas. And the 2014 lottery pick established his role in the NBA once again, and is back with the Mavs for a second season. That season is, unfortunately, on hold, as a preseason surgery is going to keep him sidelined until January at the earliest.
Doubtful — P.J. Washington (right knee sprain)
Washington was traded to the Mavs last year, after spending the first four-and-a-half seasons of his career with the Charlotte Hornets. He’s fit in well in Dallas, where he’s been the starting power forward when healthy. But a mild knee injury has kept him out of the team’s last three games.
Questionable — Dereck Lively II (right shoulder sprain)
In theory, Lively should benefit from Washington’s injury, as it would open up a whole lot of minutes for last year’s No. 12 overall pick, who finished sixth in Rookie of the Year voting and made the All-Rookie second team. But Lively has missed all three games that Washington missed, plus a fourth game. Dallas is eager to get him back.
Probable — Luka Dončić (left groin strain)
If a star is listed as “probable,” it’s safe to assume they’re going to play, especially in a high-profile, nationally-televised, in-season tournament game. So, barring any pregame setbacks, expect Dončić to be on the court tonight.
Enjoy the game, Dub Nation!