Mavericks, Anthony Davis, Lakers, Deandre Ayton, Suns

Mavericks

Anthony Davis is officially questionable for Friday in Los Angeles, which lines up with what Dallas expected after he practiced on Wednesday.

Davis has missed 14 straight games with a left calf strain and told reporters it has been “surprising” and “definitely tough” to watch the Mavericks stumble while he recovers.

He also addressed the firing of former head of basketball operations Nico Harrison, saying he was caught off guard but isn’t letting the front-office shakeup or the renewed trade chatter bother him.

“This is basketball,” Davis said, via Christian Clark of The Athletic. “This is what comes with it. I think everybody in their career has been involved in trade talks. That doesn’t affect me.

“I’ve been in trade talks for a while. My job is to do what I do on the floor. Play basketball. Try to lead this team. I have an open line of communication with the front office. I’m just ready to get back on the floor.”

Dallas is 5-14 and sits near the bottom of the West entering the weekend.

Lakers

The Lakers expect to have Deandre Ayton back on Friday against Dallas.

He is listed as probable after sitting out Tuesday’s win with a right knee contusion, per Khobi Price of the Orange County Register.

Los Angeles could still be without Marcus Smart, who remains questionable with back spasms.

The Lakers have won six of their past seven entering the weekend.

Suns

Collin Gillespie is making the most of his opportunity.

With Jalen Green, Grayson Allen and Ryan Dunn all sidelined, the former Villanova guard moved into the starting lineup on Wednesday and delivered 21 points and nine assists in a win over Sacramento.

Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic writes that Gillespie’s strong play is forcing the Suns to at least consider whether he deserves an extended shot with the first unit once the roster is whole again.

Green (right hamstring strain), Allen (right quad contusion) and Dunn (right wrist sprain) will all remain out on Friday in Oklahoma City, per Rankin.

Phoenix has won four of five and continues to get surprise pop from its role players as it navigates early-season injuries.