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Anthony Davis Highlights Lengthy Dallas Mavericks Injury Report Against Indiana Pacers

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Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, NBA
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The Dallas Mavericks released their latest injury report ahead of Wednesday’s home matchup against the Indiana Pacers, and it once again features several key names.

Anthony Davis remains listed as probable as he continues to manage bilateral Achilles tendinopathy, while starting centers Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford are both doubtful. Danté Exum and Kyrie Irving remain out, and Brandon Williams is questionable for personal reasons.

Notably, rookie forward Cooper Flagg was not listed despite appearing to injure his left shoulder early in Monday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 18-year-old played through visible discomfort and later described the shoulder as “just a little sore,” saying he expects to be available when the Mavericks close out their five-game homestand against Indiana.

The Mavericks (1–3) are coming off a 101–94 loss to the defending champion Thunder, a game in which they rallied from 22 points down before falling short in the final minute. Dallas’ defense held Oklahoma City to its lowest point total of the season, but ongoing injuries have continued to test the team’s depth and consistency as it looks to stabilize early in the schedule.

Anthony Davis Expected to Play Through Achilles Issue

Anthony Davis is listed as probable with bilateral Achilles tendinopathy but is expected to play. The All-Star forward has been the Mavericks’ most consistent presence to start the season, leading the team in scoring in all four games and posting 26 points and 11 rebounds against the Thunder.

“We’re going to keep fighting until the end of the game,” Davis said after Monday’s loss. “It was a bad third quarter, but we held them to 14 points in the fourth and had a chance to win the game. We can’t have those lulls defensively.”

Davis’ play has been central to Dallas’ structure amid frontcourt injuries. Head coach Jason Kidd confirmed earlier this week that Davis will continue to start at center while the team utilizes smaller lineups to adjust to absences.

Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford Still Doubtful

Centers Dereck Lively II (right knee sprain) and Daniel Gafford (right ankle sprain) remain doubtful to play. Both missed Monday’s game against Oklahoma City, forcing Dallas to rely heavily on Davis, Dwight Powell, and smaller units that featured P.J. Washington at the five.

Lively, 21, has averaged 5.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists through three appearances, while Gafford has yet to make his season debut after sustaining his ankle injury on the first day of training camp.

“AD is going to start at the five for us,” Kidd said before Monday’s game. “We’ll play some small-ball five because of the injuries.”

The Mavericks’ lack of frontcourt depth has been a recurring challenge during the homestand, especially against high-tempo teams that emphasize rim pressure and transition play — both of which Indiana excels at.

Backcourt Remains Thin With Kyrie Irving, Danté Exum Out

Danté Exum (right knee injury management) and Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery) remain out for Wednesday’s matchup. Irving has yet to appear this season as he continues to rehab from his offseason procedure, while Exum has been sidelined for precautionary reasons.

Brandon Williams, who missed recent games for personal reasons, is questionable. His absence has left Dallas relying on D’Angelo Russell and Jaden Hardy to handle most of the playmaking duties, while Max Christie has provided additional support as a spot starter on the wing.

Cooper Flagg Battling Shoulder Soreness, But Cleared to Play

Despite early concerns, Cooper Flagg is not listed on the Mavericks’ injury report. The rookie forward injured his left shoulder on the opening possession against the Thunder and played through the pain, finishing with two points on 1-of-9 shooting in 31 minutes.

“It was one of the first plays of the game,” Flagg said after the loss. “I think I got grabbed or hung up with someone’s arm and just felt something in my shoulder — a little pain after.”

Flagg wore a wrap on his shoulder while on the bench but stayed engaged throughout the game. Kidd commended his toughness and maturity. “He got hit early with the shoulder,” Kidd said. “He’s sore, but he’s a tough kid.”

Flagg said he plans to monitor the soreness but doesn’t expect to miss time. “We’re going to probably get some scans or whatever, make sure everything’s all clean, but I feel like it’s just a little sore,” he said. “Just want to keep an eye on it, ice it, do some rehab, and should be good to go.”

Through four games, Flagg has averaged 13.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, flashing versatility on both ends while adjusting to the NBA’s physicality.

Dallas Looking to Rebound Against Indiana

The Mavericks will aim to finish their five-game homestand with a win before heading on the road. After holding Oklahoma City to its lowest scoring output of the season and committing a season-low nine turnovers, Dallas showed progress defensively but continues to search for offensive rhythm.

Max Christie said the late-game fight against the Thunder reflected the group’s potential.

“Fourteen points in the fourth quarter for them — that’s what got us back in the game,” he said. “We were holding them to one shot and were able to rebound and run.”

Facing a Pacers team that ranks among the league leaders in pace and perimeter shooting, the Mavericks will look to tighten rotations, rebound more effectively, and rely on Davis’ leadership and Flagg’s resilience to close their homestand on a positive note.

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Tags :Anthony DavisCooper FlaggDallas MavericksDaniel GaffordDereck Lively IIIndiana PacersJason KiddKyrie IrvingNBANBA News

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Grant Afseth

Grant Afseth

Senior Writer
Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.
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