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Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II Injury Latest As Dallas Mavericks Host New Orleans Pelicans

Grant AfsethNovember 4, 2025November 4, 2025no comment

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Two days after a late-game collapse in Houston, the Dallas Mavericks enter Wednesday night’s home game against the New Orleans Pelicans with the same injury report that has limited them through the first two weeks of the season.

The Mavericks will once again be without Anthony Davis (left calf strain), Dereck Lively II (right knee sprain), Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), and Danté Exum (right knee injury management). With two of their top frontcourt players sidelined, Daniel Gafford, Dwight Powell, and Moussa Cissé are expected to handle most of the interior duties.

Head coach Jason Kidd has maintained that Davis remains day-to-day as he continues his recovery from a calf strain suffered in the first quarter of last week’s win over the Indiana Pacers. The 32-year-old traveled with the team on the recent two-game road trip, and more information should be known soon as he was set for re-evaluation after returning. Dallas had an off-day on Tuesday.

“It is going to be day to day,” Davis said before the Mexico City game. “But I feel better, that is for sure.”

Lively, meanwhile, has missed four straight games due to a right knee sprain and did not travel to Mexico City. The Mavericks have not disclosed a specific timeline for his return despite being set to be re-evaluated after the team’s road trip.

Irving and Exum remain out indefinitely. Irving is still recovering from knee surgery performed in March, while Exum continues injury management on the same knee that limited him last season. Kidd said recently that Irving’s goal is to return “in the year of ’25 — not ’26,” but the team has offered no timetable.

P.J. Washington Carrying Offensive Load

With so many core players unavailable, P.J. Washington has become one of the Mavericks’ few constants. The 6-foot-7 forward is averaging just under 16 points and 8.3 rebounds per game while serving as one of the few dependable scoring options.

In Monday’s 110–102 loss to the Houston Rockets, Washington recorded a season-high 29 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists. Dallas trailed by just one with under two minutes left before Houston closed the game on a 9–1 run.

“My teammates told me to be aggressive, so that’s what I’m doing,” Washington said after the game.

A Chance to Regain Momentum

The Mavericks (2–5) will now try to halt a two-game losing streak and begin turning their season around. The upcoming schedule presents a window to do so: their next three opponents — the Pelicans, Grizzlies, and Wizards — entered Tuesday with a combined 4–17 record.

Wednesday’s opponent, the New Orleans Pelicans (0–6), have also dealt with significant injury issues. They were without Zion Williamson (hamstring), Dejounte Murray (Achilles), and Yves Missi (illness) in Tuesday’s game against Charlotte.

Still, the Pelicans feature a young core led by Williamson and Jordan Poole, who are averaging 22.8 and 18.3 points per game, respectively. Rookie Derik Queen, the No. 7 overall pick out of Maryland, has also been a bright spot with 7.8 points and 4.3 rebounds in limited minutes.

The Mavericks have won four of the last five meetings between the two teams, including three straight at American Airlines Center. Wednesday will mark a reunion for both Anthony Davis, drafted first overall by New Orleans in 2012, and Naji Marshall, who began his career with the Pelicans as an undrafted free agent in 2020.

Looking Ahead

Dallas’ approach early in the season has been pragmatic — accepting the short-term struggles that come with injuries in hopes of finding full health when it matters most. After starting 19–10 last season before unraveling due to injuries and trades, the Mavericks are emphasizing patience and continuity this time around.

With multiple key players still sidelined, the short-term goal is simple: survive the stretch, rediscover offensive rhythm, and regain defensive stability in the paint. Wednesday’s matchup against a winless New Orleans team presents a timely opportunity to do just that.

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Tags :Anthony Davis Dallas Mavericks Danté Exum Dereck Lively II Jason Kidd Kyrie Irving NBA NBA News New Orleans Pelicans P.J. Washington

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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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