Dallas banking on Christie’s hot hand; Washington cleared to play, Gafford close to return
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Dallas — Guard Max Christie has emerged as one of the league’s most accurate perimeter threats, hitting 54.9% of his three-point attempts and draining eight triples in Monday’s victory at New York. Acquired last year in the blockbuster that sent Luka Dončić to Los Angeles and brought the oft-injured Anthony Davis to Dallas, Christie has become a cost-efficient cornerstone at $7.7 million this season, with $8.3 million guaranteed next year and an $8.9 million player option for 2027/28.
“You’re kind of unconscious,” Christie said of his current shooting streak. “Your body is obviously taking over. Being able to make that many threes is something I’ll be chasing for sure.”
The Mavericks, short on long-range threats, have urged the 23-year-old to increase his attempts. His efficiency could earn him a spot in next month’s Three-Point Contest during All-Star Weekend. “That would be super cool,” Christie said. “If I get the nod, that would be amazing.”
Injury updates
Forward P.J. Washington, sidelined for seven of the past eight games with a sprained ankle and for personal reasons, has been removed from the injury report and is set to face Golden State on Thursday. Center Daniel Gafford, out the last three contests with an ankle sprain, is listed as questionable but took part in Wednesday’s light practice. Rookie big man Moussa Cisse missed the session due to illness and is also questionable.
Weather watch
A winter storm expected this weekend could impact Saturday’s home matchup with the Lakers. Asked about a possible postponement, head coach Jason Kidd said, “We show up rain or shine. It snows on the East Coast. I don’t see them postponing.”
Front-office note
Co-interim general manager Matt Riccardi is preparing for his first trade deadline in charge of the Mavericks’ basketball operations, according to a separate report.
Source: Hoops Rumors
