The Washington Wizards leave the comforts of the nation’s capital to begin a five-game road trip against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday already assured their roster will look different when they return.
Currently sitting at 20-26, Washington figures to be one of the more active teams ahead of the NBA trade deadline Feb. 9.
The Wizards made their first move on Monday, when they dealt fourth-year forward Rui Hachimura to the Los Angeles Lakers for Kendrick Nunn and three second-round draft picks.
Hachimura, who is averaging 13.0 points and 4.3 rebounds, matched a career high with 30 points in Washington’s 138-118 victory over the Orlando Magic on Saturday.
Hachimura expressed an openness to being traded after the game.
Moving Hachimura alleviates a logjam at forward for the Wizards, who also have Deni Avdija pushing for more playing time.
Washington has won the last three meetings against Dallas, including a 113-105 decision on Nov. 10. Mavericks star Luka Doncic is averaging 29.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 7.6 assists in eight career games against the Wizards.
Dallas is looking to bounce back following a 112-98 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. The Mavericks have dropped four of their last five games and seven of 10 that followed a seven-game winning streak.
One area of concern for the Mavericks has been their free-throw shooting. Dallas ranks second in the NBA in free throws attempted (26.4 per game), but 28th in free-throw shooting percentage at 74.2 after finishing 15 of 26 from the foul line in Sunday’s loss.
Tuesday’s matchup was expected to mark the first Dallas appearance for Kristaps Porzingis since he was traded from the Mavericks to the Wizards almost a year ago. Instead, the 7-foot-3 center will be sidelined for an extended period following an injury over the weekend.
Porzingis, who is averaging 22.1 points and 8.8 rebounds, is listed as week-to-week after leaving Saturday’s game against Orlando in the third quarter with a left ankle sprain.
Porzingis’ injury could result in more playing time for Avdija, who is averaging 8.0 points and 6.0 rebounds. At 6-foot-9 and 210 pounds, Avdija has also emerged as a strong defensive force.
