Anthony Davis is nearing his long-awaited return to the Dallas Mavericks’ lineup, but the All-Star big man made one thing clear after Wednesday’s practice: he knows which game he wants to play in.
Davis, who participated fully in practice for the first time in nearly a month, said he will only play in one of the Mavericks’ upcoming back-to-back games against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday and the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday. While he didn’t hide his preference, he emphasized that the decision will ultimately be made with the team’s medical and coaching staffs.
“You know what game I want to play,” Davis said. “But we’ll see. We’ll have a conversation. See what makes the most sense with the medical staff and coaching staff. No decision has been made.”
A Targeted Return After a Month-Long Absence
Davis has missed 14 straight games since suffering a left calf strain on Oct. 29 against the Indiana Pacers. The Mavericks have taken a conservative approach throughout his recovery, slowly ramping his workload from non-contact drills to controlled live actions before officially clearing him for his first full-contact practice on Wednesday.
“It felt good,” Davis said after practice. “Good practice. Great intensity and competitive spirit. It was good to get back on the floor with the guys.”
The time off wasn’t easy. Davis admitted the extended rehab tested his patience, even as he understood the necessity of the process.
“It’s always frustrating when you’re sitting out,” Davis said. “Our job is to play games, and I want to play. But I’m also listening to the medical staff and the front office and trying to be smart about the situation. The time is getting closer now, hopefully this weekend, and we’ll go from there.”
He added that this calf strain does not compare to the one he suffered in 2022.
“I don’t think this one was as severe as the one in ’22,” Davis said. “I’m just listening to our medical staff and doing everything they need me to do to make sure I’m ready to get back on the floor.”
Jason Kidd Emphasizes Dallas Mavericks Won’t Rush Anthony Davis‘ Return
Head coach Jason Kidd said Davis is officially questionable for Friday’s matchup with the Lakers and praised the way he handled his return to group work.
“First practice with the group, he did a really good job,” Kidd said. “Hopefully we can see how he feels tomorrow and we’ll make that decision if it’s LA (Lakers) or the Clippers.”
Kidd reiterated that the Mavericks will not play Davis in both games this weekend. That stance reflects both the nature of calf injuries and the heightened awareness around soft-tissue injuries across the league.
“I think he continues to get better. He’s working to get back,” Kidd said earlier in the week. “Anytime with a calf strain, you have to be cautious.”
Dallas Mavericks to Limit Anthony Davis to One Leg of the Back-to-Back
The Lakers game carries obvious competitive weight for Davis. He spent five seasons in Los Angeles and helped deliver the 2020 NBA title, and he faced his former team for the first time since the offseason trade on April 9. That night, Davis finished with 13 points, 11 rebounds and six assists in a 112–97 Dallas loss.
This time, he returns with the Mavericks desperately needing a lift. Before the injury, Davis averaged 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in five games — production Dallas has struggled to replicate. The team remains thin with Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), Danté Exum (right knee injury management) and Dereck Lively II (right foot injury management) still sidelined.
The Mavericks face the Lakers on Friday before continuing their four-game road trip Saturday against the Clippers. Whether Davis’ return comes against his former team or one night later, the Mavericks are preparing for his reintegration. And Davis, based on his tone on Wednesday, appears eager for the first option.
At minimum, Dallas will get its defensive anchor and interior playmaker back this weekend. The only remaining question — and the one Davis already hinted at — is which night.
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