The Dallas Mavericks could soon regain some much-needed frontcourt depth. Anthony Davis (left calf strain) has been upgraded to questionable, while Dereck Lively II (right knee sprain) is doubtful to play in Saturday’s matchup against the Washington Wizards.
Both players traveled with the team for its two-game trip, signaling encouraging progress in their recoveries. Daniel Gafford (right ankle sprain) is also questionable after exiting Friday’s 118–104 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery) and Danté Exum (right knee injury management) remain out.
Anthony Davis’ Return on the Horizon
Anthony Davis missed his fourth straight game Friday in Memphis but continues to trend upward. Head coach Jason Kidd said before the game that Davis remains in good spirits and has been ramping up his on-court work.
“He seems in good spirits, and I think he’s doing fine health-wise,” Kidd said. “So we’ll see. But I don’t know about tomorrow.”
The Mavericks have taken a cautious approach with Davis’ left calf strain, prioritizing long-term health. His return would provide an immediate boost to Dallas’ interior presence after an uneven start to the season.
In five games this season, Davis has averaged 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, serving as a dominant interior force when available.
Dereck Lively II Doubtful But Progressing
Before Wednesday’s loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, Kidd provided an update on Dereck Lively II’s recovery from a right knee sprain. Lively, who has missed five games, continues to work toward a return to action and has been participating in on-court drills.
“Lively’s been participating on court and he’s doing well,” Kidd said. “He’s hopefully back by next week.”
Lively, who has missed five games with a right knee sprain, has been a stabilizing defensive presence when healthy. In three appearances this season, he’s averaged 5.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, bringing rim protection and interior passing to the Mavericks’ offense.
His return would help balance a rotation that has leaned heavily on small-ball lineups during his absence.
Daniel Gafford Questionable After Ankle Scare
Gafford’s status for Saturday remains uncertain after he aggravated his right ankle in Friday’s loss to Memphis. He briefly returned to the floor for two minutes after halftime before being ruled out for the rest of the night.
Kidd confirmed postgame that the injury will require additional evaluation before the team’s second game of the back-to-back.
“Yeah, sore right ankle,” Kidd said. “We’ll see how he feels in D.C. That’s just the nature of this thing.”
Gafford was limited to 12 minutes against the Grizzlies and did not score, finishing with one rebound. His defensive activity and vertical spacing have been vital in the early part of the season, where he’s averaged 9.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks through four appearances.
P.J. Washington Holding the Frontcourt Together
With Davis, Lively, and Gafford all managing injuries, P.J. Washington has become the Mavericks’ most durable and versatile frontcourt option. Kidd praised Washington’s consistency and adaptability before Friday’s game in Memphis.
“Just due to the health of our team, we’ve had to go small,” Kidd said. “P.J.’s shown that — being able to shoot the three, playmake, and score. He’s been incredible.”
Washington leads the team in minutes played (33.6 per game) while averaging 15.6 points and 8.3 rebounds. His ability to defend multiple positions has allowed Dallas to maintain defensive stability despite its size disadvantages.
Washington said he’s focused on maintaining a team-first mindset through the early adversity.
“I feel like I can play with anybody on the floor no matter who’s out there,” Washington said. “We have a lot of great guys on this team, and at the end of the day, we all know we can’t play at the same time. Just being able to cheer a teammate on whenever you’re not on the floor and having a good attitude — I think that’s going to take us a long way.”
Jason Kidd: “We’ve Just Gotta Keep Fighting”
Despite the injuries and offensive struggles, Kidd said after Friday’s loss that the Mavericks must continue to rely on defense and effort until the full rotation returns.
“It just happens that we’re struggling early,” Kidd said. “Sometimes it happens in the middle of the season. Sometimes it happens at the end. So we’ve just gotta keep fighting.”
The Mavericks will close their road back-to-back in Washington before returning home to face the Bucks, Suns, Clippers, and Trail Blazers — a critical stretch as the team looks to regain rhythm and stability.
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