The Dallas Mavericks released their final injury report ahead of Friday’s matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers, and while the team remains thin, one key development stands out: Anthony Davis is on the brink of returning.
Dallas listed Davis as questionable with the left calf strain that has sidelined him for nearly a month. Cooper Flagg is available while wearing a right thumb splint, but the Mavericks will again be without Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), Dereck Lively II (right foot injury management) and Danté Exum (right knee injury management).
Anthony Davis Completes First Full Practice Since Injury
Davis has missed 14 straight games since straining his left calf on Oct. 29, but Wednesday’s practice marked the final stage of what the Mavericks hoped would be a steady ramp-up. Davis said the session “felt good” and praised the energy around him.
“Good practice. Great intensity. Good competitive-spirited practice,” Davis said. “It was good to get back on the floor with the guys.”
Head coach Jason Kidd said Davis handled the workload as well as the staff hoped.
“First practice with the group, he did a really good job,” Kidd said. “Hopefully we can see how he feels tomorrow, and then we’ll make that decision if it’s LA or the Clippers.”
The team has already ruled out Davis playing both nights of the back-to-back. When asked which game he preferred, Davis didn’t hide his leanings.
“You know what game I want to play,” he said. “We’ll have a conversation and see what makes the most sense with the medical staff and coaching staff. No decision has been made.”
A Frustrating Wait — With a Cautious Approach
The Mavericks have applied a conservative timeline to Davis’ recovery, a process the All-Star big man acknowledged has required patience.
“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 listening to the medical staff and front office and trying to be smart with the situation.”
Davis added that this calf strain did not compare to the one he suffered in 2022.
“I don’t think this one was as severe as the one in ’22,” he said. “I’m 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.”
Kidd echoed that caution earlier in the week, noting the nature of calf strains and broader league trends with soft-tissue injuries.
“Anytime with a calf strain, you have to be cautious,” Kidd said.
Dallas Mavericks Still Thin Elsewhere
Even if Davis returns Friday or Saturday, the Mavericks will still be without key pieces. Kidd said the team still needs to wait “seven to ten days” for clarity on Lively’s foot issue and confirmed the 20-year-old center won’t travel on the road trip.
Irving and Exum remain sidelined, and Kidd pointed to the cumulative strain on the roster.
Those stretches have spotlighted players forced into larger roles, including Brandon Williams. Kidd praised the way the young guard has responded.
“You look at B-Will’s ability to work on his game and understand,” Kidd said. “He’s playing at a high level and starting. Given the opportunity in this league, he’s taken full advantage of it.”
Facing Luka Dončić at an MVP Level
The Mavericks will see Luka Dončić for the first time this season, and Kidd didn’t hesitate when asked whether the former Dallas star looks different in Los Angeles.
“He’s one of the best scorers in the world, so I don’t know if anything is different,” Kidd said. “You can see he’s confident and playing the game at a very high level, if not the MVP.”
Dončić leads the NBA in scoring and has powered the Lakers to a 13–4 start.
Davis said watching from the sideline as Dallas fell to 4–11 in clutch games has been one of the toughest parts of his absence.
“We’re right there — we’re in every game,” Davis said. “For me, those moments are where I close games and help us on both ends of the floor. It gets even more frustrating when I’m not able to go out there.”
A Return This Weekend Feels Imminent
Whether Davis plays Friday or Saturday, both he and the team agree the comeback window has finally arrived.
“I’m a step closer to getting back on the floor, hopefully this weekend,” Davis said.
For a Mavericks team stretched thin and searching for stability, that step may arrive at the perfect time — even if it comes one night later than Davis would prefer.
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