The Dallas Mavericks can’t seem to catch a break.
Star forward Anthony Davis has been ruled out for at least the next two games after sustaining a low-grade calf strain, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The Mavericks confirmed Friday that Davis will miss Saturday’s game in Mexico City against the Detroit Pistons and Monday’s matchup with the Houston Rockets before being re-evaluated.
Davis Injury Timeline and Medical Outlook
Davis suffered the injury midway through the first quarter of the Mavericks’ 107–105 win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday after landing awkwardly on his left leg. He limped to the locker room and did not return.
“He tried to return,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said after the game. “Didn’t want to take any chances. We’ll see how he feels going forward.”
Kidd told reporters Friday that Davis remains day-to-day, but medical experts suggest a more cautious approach.
“Grade I calf strains are typically one to two weeks of healing time,” said Dr. Evan Jeffries, an NBA and NFL injury specialist based in San Diego. “On top of that, he’s been dealing with Achilles tendinopathy. Combined, I’d expect the Mavericks to be cautious to reduce the risk of an Achilles tear.”
Mavericks’ Rotation Hit Hard by Injuries
The Mavericks’ injury woes are piling up fast.
With Kyrie Irving (ACL) still out and centers Daniel Gafford (ankle) and Dereck Lively II (knee) sidelined, Davis’ absence leaves Dallas painfully thin in the frontcourt.
Through four games this season, Davis has averaged 25.0 points and 11.8 rebounds, anchoring both ends of the floor for a Mavericks team trying to rebound from last year’s disappointment.
Without him, Kidd will lean heavily on rookie Cooper Flagg, who’s off to a rocky start, along with veterans P.J. Washington and Klay Thompson to carry the scoring and rebounding load.
Old Habits, New Team: Conditioning Concerns Resurface
The latest injury continues a frustrating trend for Davis, whose career has been marred by physical setbacks despite elite talent.
Since being traded from the Los Angeles Lakers in last year’s blockbuster deal for Luka Dončić, Davis has struggled to stay healthy. He played just nine games for Dallas last season due to an adductor strain and later underwent offseason retina surgery in his right eye.
This season, Davis arrived at training camp 15 pounds heavier than his previous playing weight, weighing in at 268 pounds, per The Athletic.
ESPN analyst Richard Jefferson suggested the added weight may have contributed to his latest setback.
“How many times have we seen players come into camp overweight and then deal with calf or lower-leg injuries?” Jefferson said on the Road Trippin’ Podcast. “If you told me eight games in that Anthony Davis would have Achilles soreness, I’d believe it.”
Déjà Vu in Dallas: The Luka Dončić Parallel
Ironically, the Mavericks now face the same dilemma that led them to trade Dončić in the first place.
Last season, Dončić missed 22 straight games with a calf strain and battled criticism for his conditioning and fitness. The team hoped Davis would bring a stronger defensive identity and durability.
Instead, the same narrative has returned — only with different names.
As Dallas prepares to play in front of an international crowd in Mexico City, the Mavericks once again find themselves searching for answers without their newest superstar.
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