The Dallas Mavericks have been dealt another setback on the injury front. According to Marc Stein, both Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II have been ruled out for Wednesday night’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans, extending their absences as they continue to recover from lower-body injuries.
“The Mavericks have ruled out both Anthony Davis (for a third straight game due to a left calf strain) and Dereck Lively II (fifth straight missed due to a right knee sprain) for Wednesday night’s date with New Orleans,” reported Stein. “Both players are scheduled for a re-evaluation this week.”
This latest update comes at a tough time for Dallas, which has dropped four of its last five games and is struggling to find stability on both ends of the floor. At 2-5, they need all the help they can get, especially from their star-studded frontcourt.
Lively, 21, is the starting center for Dallas this season, but he has only played three games so far as he nurses a sprained right knee. His return date is still unknown, but his absence leaves the Mavericks without one of their key rebounders and rim protectors.
The situation with Anthony Davis is even more complicated and far more concerning. At 32, he was supposed to be the defensive anchor for the Mavs this season, alongside a frontcourt that includes Lively, Daniel Gafford, and P.J. Washington. Convinced by his interior dominance and championship experience, Mavs GM Nico Harrison took the ultimate risk with Davis by giving up his own franchise’s biggest star. Unfortunately, returns have been disappointing so far.
Davis has already missed two games this season, and he is set to miss his third straight on Wednesday. When he has played, Davis’ production has been modest, averaging 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game on 52.0 percent shooting. His latest setback occurred against the Indiana Pacers, when he strained his calf after landing awkwardly on a shot. He is listed as day-to-day, but the Mavs are taking a cautious approach given his extensive injury history.
Going back to the 2019-20 campaign, Davis has missed large chunks of nearly every season. Over the past eight years, he has only played 70 or more games once. Now, at 32, his body is expected to become even more fragile as time goes on.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks are facing more pressure than ever to make a run in the Western Conference. With Luka Doncic playing some of the best basketball of his career, the Mavs will look foolish if they fail to make the playoffs after reaching the Finals in 2024.
Ultimately, while Nico Harrison likes his team’s chances, the Mavericks’ success depends on multiple factors. Above all, it depends on health and having everyone available when it matters most. This season is off to a rough start, but there is still time to recover and climb back into contention.
The Mavericks are at a crossroads early in the season. With two of their key big men sidelined, they’ll need to find toughness and identity fast if they hope to stay competitive in the West. For Anthony Davis, the focus must be on getting healthy and proving he can still be a dependable force for a contending team. If Dallas can survive this stretch without him, they’ll be stronger for it, but if not, this could mark the beginning of another disappointing campaign.
