The Dallas Mavericks have improved to a 15-8 record following their recent win over the Washington Wizards, and the team is continuing to find its rhythm as players settle into their roles.
P.J. Washington has been consistently solid across all areas, Luka Dončić has returned to peak form after his wrist injury, and Spencer Dinwiddie has been exceptional off the bench in clutch moments. Despite dealing with a slew of injuries earlier in the season, including missed time for Dončić, Dereck Lively II, Washington, Dante Exum, and Maxi Kleber, the Mavericks are starting to regain their health and look like one of the most dynamic teams in the Western Conference.
However, an illness that began circulating last week is still affecting the team’s locker room. Naji Marshall, who has missed the past three games, has been battling this illness since the end of November. After pushing through for a couple of games, he was hit harder during the November 30th game against the Utah Jazz and hasn’t returned since. Marshall and Exum are the only two players still out, with Exum recovering from wrist surgery.
The good news is that Marshall’s return could be near. He was present on the bench during Dallas’ win over the Memphis Grizzlies and traveled with the team to Washington. Coach Jason Kidd listed Marshall as “day-to-day” ahead of the Wizards game, and the upcoming road games against the Toronto Raptors and Oklahoma City Thunder may offer an opportunity for his return. If Marshall wasn’t close to coming back, he likely would have stayed in Dallas, making his inclusion in the road trip a promising sign.
A potential return on Tuesday against the Thunder would allow Marshall a bit more rest before rejoining the lineup for the NBA Cup Knockout Round. While the Mavericks have managed without him, Marshall’s return would provide a significant boost.
Before falling ill, Marshall was playing some of his best basketball of the season. The three-year deal Dallas signed him to is looking increasingly wise, as he’s averaged 11.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.0 steals per game, while shooting 54.4 percent from the field and 29.4 percent from three. His ability to drive to the basket, pass, defend, and shoot—especially as of late—has been crucial, and his ball-handling in transition allows Dončić and Kyrie Irving to conserve energy.
Beyond his on-court skills, Marshall has been a valuable teammate, always uplifting his fellow players. While the Mavericks have managed to stay competitive without him, his return would make them even more dangerous on both ends of the floor.
