Nets' Cam Johnson ruled out vs. Mavericks with back injury

The Brooklyn Nets will visit the Dallas Mavericks on Monday at American Airlines Center. Cam Johnson has been ruled out for the matchup due to a lower back contusion.

Here's everything we know about Johnson's injury and playing status moving forward.

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Cam Johnson sidelined for Mavericks matchup with back injury

Dec 29, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (2) drives around Orlando Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (3) during the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images — Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Johnson injured his back while taking a hard fall during the fourth quarter of Saturday's 115-112 win over the Washington Wizards. He remained down for an extended period before being helped to Brooklyn's locker room and did not return. The Nets listed him as questionable for Monday's game before ruling him out, indicating the injury is unlikely to sideline him long-term.

Johnson has been Brooklyn's top player this season, averaging a career-high 18.8 points and 3.4 assists on 48/39/89 shooting splits over 57 appearances. His improved play was a driving factor in the rebuilding squad exceeding expectations early this season.

The Nets have lost 16 of their last 19 games as they angle for a top draft selection. While they've rested key players throughout that stretch, Johnson has remained mostly available, appearing in 16 games. And while opposing tanking teams, such as the Wizards on Saturday, have benched their top players in the fourth quarter of tight games, Brooklyn has kept Johnson and others on the floor.

Following Saturday's win, the Nets have fallen one game behind the Philadelphia 76ers for fifth place in the draft lottery standings with seven remaining. The 76ers have blatantly tanked for the last several weeks as they attempt to hold onto their top-six protected first-round pick.

Noah Clowney will also miss the Mavericks matchup after spraining his right ankle during the fourth quarter against Washington. Day'Ron Sharpe will remain sidelined for his fourth consecutive game due to a knee sprain.

Anthony Davis is probable for Dallas. Daniel Gafford (right knee sprain) is also probable, while Dereck Lively (right ankle; stress fracture) is questionable. Both centers have been sidelined for extended periods.