Dallas Mavericks big man Anthony Davis will not play Saturday against the Los Angeles Clippers, completing the plan the organization set for his return from a left calf strain. The Mavericks confirmed that Davis would only play in one end of the back-to-back after logging 28 minutes in Friday’s 129–119 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Davis finished with 12 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three blocks in his first game since Oct. 29. It was his sixth appearance of the season and the first step in a carefully controlled ramp-up led by head coach Jason Kidd, team governor Patrick Dumont, and the Mavericks’ medical staff.
Before Friday’s game, Kidd made the approach clear.
“We’re looking at 24 to 27,” Kidd said. “This is his first game back, so having someone we can play through on offense, but also someone defensively that can change shots and help us rebound the ball. For tonight, I just want a positive experience.”
Anthony Davis Wanted to Face the Los Angeles Lakers
Davis had openly hinted earlier in the week that he preferred to make his return against the Lakers — the franchise he helped lead to the 2020 championship.
“You know what game I want to play,” he said Wednesday. “But we’ll see. We’ll have a conversation. See what makes the most sense with the medical staff and coaching staff.”
He ultimately got his wish, but the Mavericks were unmoved on the second half of the back-to-back. With the team missing Dereck Lively II, Kyrie Irving, and Danté Exum, Kidd said the priority is protecting the long-term health of his All-Star big man.
“The train keeps moving no matter a trade or a dismissal,” Kidd said pre-game. “For AD the focus was on his body — come back healthy. Get him in the lineup, get him some minutes… You can’t get everything solved in 24 minutes tonight.”
After the game, Davis said the return felt like a necessary step forward. He acknowledged how challenging the short bursts of playing time were as he tried to rediscover his timing.
“Even through the first three quarters, (playing) five minutes is definitely a short stint, and I’m used to playing nine minutes or the whole first quarter or something like that,” Davis said. “It was definitely different for rhythm and just for the mental. I’ll get some good work in tomorrow and see how I feel and then get ready for Denver on Monday.”
He added that the extended absence ultimately proved beneficial.
“Anytime you get extra time, obviously, you let your body heal,” Davis said. “I feel better now… you come back stronger.”
Dallas Mavericks Still Leaning on Anthony Davis’ Optimism After Loss
Davis also delivered a message of belief following Dallas’ fall to 5–15.
“We’re still playing basketball, we’re trying to compete,” he said. “We’re playing for each other and we’re playing together… I feel like we’re right there.”
He acknowledged that rhythm will take time, especially with double teams coming on every touch, but said the chemistry with his teammates — including Cooper Flagg — will return quickly with repetition.
The Mavericks continue their road trip Saturday at Intuit Dome, where Davis will sit and prepare for his next step in the team’s gradual return plan.
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