‘He Wants To Play’: Dallas Mavericks Reveal Substantial Anthony Davis Injury Update Amid Left Calf Strain
Dallas Mavericks superstar Anthony Davis continues to make progress in his recovery from a left calf strain, but the organization remains cautious as he approaches the end of his initial multi-week timetable.
Davis, who will miss his ninth straight game Sunday against the Portland Trail Blazers, was re-evaluated this week. According to the team, the exam showed positive recovery trends, and he will be re-assessed in 7–10 days. Until then, he remains sidelined — and will not be cleared to play until Mavericks ownership formally signs off on his return.
Key members of the organization want to ensure there is no risk of re-aggravation before Davis takes the floor again. The All-NBA big man initially suffered the injury on Oct. 29 against the Indiana Pacers after logging roughly seven minutes in the first quarter.
Dallas Mavericks Continue Cautious Approach With Anthony Davis
Davis was eager to play as early as Nov. 8 against the Washington Wizards, but internal conversations within the organization led to him being downgraded to out. He remained listed as questionable on the injury report for four consecutive games before shifting to doubtful ahead of Sunday’s matchup against Portland.
Before Sunday’s game, Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd was asked how Davis is handling the extended timeline.
“He wants to play. He’s doing everything to get back,” Kidd said. “Looking at his appointment yesterday and seeing that it’s going to take another seven to ten days… most as AD — I’m not trying to speak for him — but he wants to be out there to help us. This gives him seven to ten days to get better, to get stronger, and hopefully in seven to ten days he’s back on the floor.”
On Saturday, Kidd also confirmed that Davis — along with Ryan Nembhard, Kyrie Irving and Danté Exum — would remain out against Portland.
Anthony Davis’ Absence Continues to Reshape Dallas Mavericks’ Season
The Mavericks have felt the impact of Davis’ absence across both ends of the floor. Since being acquired in the Feb. 2 trade, Dallas is 8–24 in games Davis has not played and 8–6 when he is available.
In his 14 appearances for the Mavericks, Davis has averaged 20.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, providing a stabilizing presence defensively and anchoring late-game execution.
With Davis still unavailable, Kidd said rookie forward Cooper Flagg will continue to take on high-level assignments.
“For Cooper, I don’t think it changes,” Kidd said. “It just gives him the ability to go against the best defender — whether it’s a wing or a big. He’s grown in those situations of taking on the top defender.”
Flagg has also found a more natural rhythm since shifting back to forward over the last six games. After beginning his career as the Mavericks’ starting point guard for seven straight games, Dallas has used D’Angelo Russell and Brandon Williams at point guard, freeing Flagg to return to the position where he dominated in high school and college. In those six starts at forward, he has averaged 17 points on 53.5% shooting — an uptick from the 13.6 points on 38.8% shooting he posted while running the offense.
“Tonight, there’ll be quite a few guys he has to go against in Holiday,” Kidd added. “But again, he’s responding in a positive way, and he’s always up for the challenge.”
Jason Kidd Addresses Turnovers, Late-Game Execution and Dallas Mavericks’ Defensive Identity
The Mavericks remain focused on correcting late-game issues as they navigate this stretch without Davis. Kidd emphasized that turnovers — many of which he called “unforced” — continue to derail opportunities to close out tight games.
“I think a lot of them are unforced. We just have to hold onto the ball, especially late game,” Kidd said. “If you turn it over off the dribble or on a clean catch, it leads to a lost possession — and if you’re behind, it’s hard.”
Flagg has been vocal about those issues as well, calling the team’s recent miscues “late game stupid turnovers” and emphasizing the need for improved spacing, communication, and execution.
Kidd added that Dallas has improved in securing defensive stops late but must capitalize offensively to finish games.
“Can we stack the right play? That doesn’t always mean shoot the ball,” Kidd said. “We have to be in sync defensively… and then can you capitalize on the offensive end?”
Kidd also praised Flagg’s relentless activity — calling his energy and effort “incredible” — and highlighted the value of getting P.J. Washington back against Portland.
“As we get healthy… we missed PJ the other night,” Kidd said. “It’s great to have him back, especially against a big team like this.”
For now, the Mavericks move forward without their star big man, awaiting the next medical checkpoint as Davis continues his push toward a return that still requires final organizational approval.
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