Mavericks Release Injury Updates, Eyes Set on Key March 6 Evaluations
Returning from the NBA All-Star break, the Dallas Mavericks continue to face a lengthy injury report, but there have been some positive developments.
On the Mavericks’ injury report submitted before Friday’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, P.J. Washington (right ankle sprain) was upgraded to questionable, and Dwight Powell (right hip strain) is doubtful.
Dallas remains without Anthony Davis (left adductor strain), Daniel Gafford (right knee sprain), Dereck Lively II (right ankle stress fracture), and Caleb Martin (right hip strain). However, there is new information about their outlook.
Here is the latest information on Mavericks injuries:
Dallas Mavericks Players Nearing a Return
Washington’s return appears imminent after missing the Mavericks’ three final games before the All-Star break due to a right ankle sprain. Usually, when Dallas has a player fully practice and upgrades them to questionable, they return within a few games.
“ P.J. Participated in everything contact and everything—[he] look good,” Kidd said of Washington.
Powell was a non-contact participant in practice, indicating that he’s progressing but still has steps to go through before returning to action. He hasn’t played since Jan. 17, when he slipped on the court on a closeout, causing him to suffer a right hip strain.
“Not-contact stuff today, but it looked good,” Kidd said of Powell. “He’s out there playing. I think a little one-on-one. He’s trending and doing really well right now.”
Martin hasn’t played since Jan. 10 due to a right hip strain, but he’s resumed some non-contract on-court activities. There hasn’t been an established timetable for his return yet, but he’s clearly progressing.
“ Caleb is doing better,” Kidd said. “I don’t know if you guys were in there when he was doing some just some dribbling and shooting on the court, but no contact. He is actually trending in the right direction, too. He feels better.”
“Big Evaluation” on Mar. 6
The Mavericks plan to re-evaluate Davis, Lively, and Gafford on March 6 to determine their ability to return this season. Dallas has since signed Moses Brown to a 10-day contract to provide more size at the five.
“ I think March 6 is where the big evaluation will be, where we’ll give an update on everybody’s status when it comes to the bigs—[Lively], [Gafford], and [Davis],” Kidd said.
Davis was dynamic in his Mavericks debut in a victory over the Houston Rockets, finishing with 26 points, 16 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 blocks. However, he has remained sidelined since suffering a left adductor strain.
The Mavericks’ only formal communication about Davis’ injury status came on Thursday. They stated that he’s “making good progress.” However, surgery has not been ruled out, which would surely end his season if necessary.
“I’m not a doctor,” Kidd said. “I think you’ll get a better understanding of what has to take place [in two weeks], but right now he’s doing great. He’s in the weight room. He was shooting on the court. A lot of positive things for him. I don’t know if that means surgery, but I think we’re all excited to see him back to work.”
Although limited, Kidd is encouraged by what he’s seen from Davis. He’s been doing work in the weight room and light on-court shooting.
“ He’s doing better. I saw him in the weight room and then on the court shooting,” Kidd said of Davis. “So, a lot of positive stuff. It’s always good to see.”
If relying on the Mavericks’ official communications, the current status for Gafford is a right knee sprain with a re-evaluation in two weeks. ESPN has reported that Gafford will miss at least six weeks due to a Grade III MCL sprain.
Lively has been doing light on-court work lately without wearing a walking boot. Because he has a stress fracture, the Mavericks must monitor how his ankle responds.
