Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid Set For First Matchup Since 2023

Grant AfsethJanuary 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers, Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, NBA

Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

If both are available Thursday night, Anthony Davis and Joel Embiid will meet for the first time since Nov. 27, 2023, when the Dallas Mavericks host the Philadelphia 76ers at American Airlines Center.

The matchup brings together two superstar big men who were both trending upward before injuries intervened, adding weight to what would be their ninth career meeting and a rare opportunity to revisit one of the league’s most high profile interior battles.

Beyond their NBA history, Davis and Embiid also share recent international success as teammates on the gold medal–winning United States squad at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where both played key roles anchoring Team USA’s frontcourt.

Anthony Davis’ December Surge Before Christmas Injury

Davis enters the matchup averaging 20.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 16 games this season. His play accelerated last month, when he averaged 21.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists across 10 December appearances.

Before sustaining a right groin/adductor strain on Christmas Day, Davis had built significant momentum. Over a six-game stretch from Dec. 6–23, he posted multiple high-impact performances, including a 35-point, 17-rebound outing at New Orleans and a 31-point effort against Denver. During that span, Davis consistently logged heavy minutes, controlled the glass, and anchored Dallas’ interior defense while operating as a focal point offensively.

That stretch reinforced how central Davis is to Dallas’ identity. The Mavericks have hovered near .500 in games he plays, a stark contrast to their overall record, and his availability has repeatedly coincided with their most competitive basketball.

“We always want him to play, so we’re happy to have him back,” Kidd said. “We’ll see — 30 to 34 minutes. We want to get him some touches. Offensively and defensively, we need him to be AD.”

Kidd also pointed to chemistry as a key element Dallas hopes to regain quickly.

“A lot of it is chemistry,” he said. “When guys get minutes with AD, relationships are created. Hopefully we can pick up where that left off. I thought him and Cooper were starting to play at a very high level.”

Embiid is listed as probable with a right ankle sprain and right knee injury management. He participated in morning shootaround with Philadelphia, a notable step toward returning to the lineup.

On the season, Embiid is averaging 22.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 14 games. He found his rhythm last month, averaging 25.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists over seven December contests. That form carried into Tuesday’s win in Memphis, where Embiid recorded a 34-point, 10-rebound double-double to help the 76ers snap a three-game losing streak.

“When Embiid’s in, it’s a different game,” Kidd said. “Being able to shoot it, he can post, he can pass. The touches he gets, he can put the ball in the basket. He’s been doing that his whole career.”

Philadelphia will be without Kelly Oubre Jr. (left knee sprain) and Trendon Watford (left adductor strain).

A History Defined by Physicality and Production

In eight previous meetings, Davis has averaged 23.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks against Embiid. Embiid has countered with 25.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game in those matchups. Their encounters have frequently turned into extended, physical battles, with both players absorbing defensive attention while remaining productive.

Those numbers emphasize the challenge each presents. Davis’ rim protection and mobility force difficult decisions in coverage, while Embiid’s scoring range and passing ability stress defensive schemes possession by possession.

While the Davis–Embiid duel headlines the night, both teams have broader motivations. Dallas is looking to reestablish continuity and halt a recent slide, while Philadelphia continues a road trip with Eastern Conference positioning at stake.

If both stars are cleared to play and able to sustain their recent form, Thursday’s meeting offers a rare chance to revisit one of the league’s most compelling big-man matchups — with both Davis and Embiid carrying unfinished momentum back onto the floor.

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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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