Injury Notes On Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson And Kyrie Irving Before Dallas Mavericks Face Philadelphia 76ers

Grant AfsethDecember 20, 2025December 20, 2025

Photo by Gunnar Word/Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks arrived in Philadelphia carrying momentum from one of their most resilient wins of the season, but with familiar health questions again shaping the conversation ahead of Saturday night’s matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Dallas is coming off a 116–114 overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night, a game in which the Mavericks built an 18-point lead late in the third quarter before needing late execution and defensive resolve to close it out. Cooper Flagg finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Anthony Davis added 15 points and 14 rebounds as Dallas recovered after blowing the cushion against the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons.

The win was emblematic of the Mavericks’ recent turnaround. After opening the season 5–15 amid constant lineup disruption, Dallas has now won six of its last eight games, stabilizing its season through improved availability and sharper late-game execution. That progress has come despite significant long-term absences, with Dereck Lively II and Danté Exum both ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Saturday’s matchup also carries individual significance for Flagg, who will play his final game as an 18-year-old before turning 19 on Sunday. The rookie is averaging 25.4 points over his last eight games, continuing a rapid ascent that has reshaped Dallas’ late-game offense.

Philadelphia, meanwhile, hosts Dallas on the second night of a back-to-back after delivering a statement 116–107 road win over the New York Knicks on Friday, setting up a matchup between two teams trending upward under different circumstances.

Philadelphia 76ers Carry Confidence After Road Win at Madison Square Garden

The 76ers became just the second visiting team to win at Madison Square Garden this season, snapping the Knicks’ six-game winning streak behind strong late execution.

Tyrese Maxey led the way with 30 points and nine assists, scoring 11 points in the fourth quarter as Philadelphia outscored New York 28–20 in the final period. Rookie guard VJ Edgecombe added 23 points, including 18 in the second half, while also taking on a major defensive assignment.

With Joel Embiid sidelined due to illness and right knee injury management, Andre Drummond started and finished with 14 points and 13 rebounds, knocking down three of his four three-point attempts. Philadelphia won despite being outrebounded 57–36 and held the Knicks to 1-of-8 shooting from deep in the fourth quarter.

The victory marked Philadelphia’s fifth win in its last seven games heading into Saturday’s matchup with Dallas.

Anthony Davis Present at Shootaround, Listed Probable

For the Mavericks, availability remains central as they attempt to extend their recent surge. Anthony Davis (illness) was present at shootaround and is listed as probable.

Davis has averaged 19.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 12 games this season, anchoring Dallas defensively while providing interior scoring and playmaking when on the floor.

Klay Thompson Questionable After Missing Shootaround

Klay Thompson (left knee soreness) was not seen during the open portion of shootaround and remains questionable after being added to the injury report Friday.

Thompson has appeared in 26 games, averaging 10.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists, and his status will be monitored leading into tipoff as Dallas evaluates its wing and backcourt rotations.

Kyrie Irving Remains Without Timetable

Kyrie Irving continues his rehabilitation from a torn ACL, with no return schedule established. He traveled with the Mavericks to Philadelphia and appeared set to go through a workout after shootaround.

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd addressed Irving’s progress prior to Thursday’s game against Detroit, reiterating that the focus remains on steady recovery rather than milestones.

“There’s no schedule still,” Kidd said. “He’s just still doing the things he’s supposed to… He’s in a good place. He’s rehabbing. That’s the only update I can really give you — that he’s in a good place and he’s doing everything he’s supposed to.”

Brandon Williams on Late-Game Growth and Togetherness

During shootaround media availability, Brandon Williams pointed to accumulated experience as a key reason behind Dallas’ improved execution in close games.

“I would say we’ve been in a lot of these positions this year — a lot of times,” Williams said. “Just taking those experiences and the opportunities we had early on. Obviously, it didn’t work out in our favor earlier, but we didn’t really treat those as losses. We kind of just learned from them, and it’s paying off now.”

Williams said unity has defined the Mavericks’ recent stretch.

“Just being together, ultimately,” he said. “Coming together in the fourth quarter — everybody’s fatigued, everybody’s tired. But it’s on us as point guards and as a team collectively to make sure we’re all together, especially late in the game.”

Cooper Flagg’s Growth Continues as Milestone Nears

Williams also highlighted Flagg’s maturity as the rookie approaches his 19th birthday.

“For him to still be learning the game and learning how the NBA game works, and just the NBA scheduling as a whole, it’s very impressive,” Williams said. “How he carries himself every day speaks a lot to the vets we have now.”

Flagg is averaging 25.4 points over his last eight games and continues to shoulder late-game responsibility, including a 23-point, 10-rebound performance in Dallas’ overtime win over Detroit on Thursday.

Another Test of Momentum

Dallas and Philadelphia enter Saturday trending upward under different circumstances. The Mavericks are gradually emerging from an injury-heavy start while continuing to navigate season-ending losses, and the 76ers are adjusting without Embiid but finding production throughout the lineup.

Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CST at Xfinity Mobile Arena, where Dallas will look to extend its recent run, and Philadelphia will attempt to carry over momentum from its win in New York.

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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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Injury Notes On Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson And Kyrie Irving Before Dallas Mavericks Face Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers Carry Confidence After Road Win at Madison Square Garden

Anthony Davis Present at Shootaround, Listed Probable