In what was a particularly tense time for the Dallas Mavericks, Anthony Davis sustained an adductor injury during his dominant team debut. Already recovering from an abdominal strain, the big man will reportedly be out for multiple weeks and potentially a month. It’s subsequently possible that nine-time All-Star will be sidelined through early March. However, the 31-year-old is expected to explore options that’ll allow him to avoid surgery.
Mavs Not Sure When Anthony Davis Will Be Back
Prior to Monday’s game against the Sacramento Kings, Mavs head coach Jason Kidd addressed Davis’s injury, confirming that he was “still being evaluated.” There’s no firm timetable for his return. With that being said, due to his injury history, an indefinite absence sounds daunting. The Mavs are eight-place in the Western Conference standings; a Play-In team.
Jason Kidd says Anthony Davis is “still being evaluated” for his left adductor strain. There isn’t a timetable for his return.
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) February 10, 2025
Dallas had gone 15-16 without Luka Doncic this season before he was traded. If they can replicate those results, they should remain in postseason contention. Yet, there’s no denying they’re fighting an uphill battle
Daniel Gafford Goes Down
Early in the second quarter of their battle with the Mavs, starting center Daniel Gafford suffered what looks to be a serious knee injury. Backup center Dereck Lively II is already out for the season with a fractured ankle. Even Dwight Powell is out with an ankle injury, though he’s day-to-day.
Daniel Gafford injured his knee and was helped by multiple people to the Dallas Mavericks’ locker room. pic.twitter.com/hKpEFlal86
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) February 11, 2025
This has left the Mavericks thin at the center position in more ways than one.
Do They Have Enough?
Without their top big men available, Kidd has gone to Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Kessler Edwards.
Both Prosper and Edwards are lithe, lanky, and confident enough to shoot from deep. However, neither has the size to impose their will in the paint. Truthfully, as much as their activity helps them, their slender frames and lack of height can make them a liability. Sacramento tried to exploit that with Jonas Valanciunas and other teams will as well.
Nonetheless, Dallas is a relatively solid defensive team. Kyrie Irving is still showing why he just made his ninth All-Star Game. On top of that, Klay Thompson and Spencer Dinwiddie are constant scoring threats. Max Christie has been aggressive offensively, filling in well for Quentin Grimes. Naji Marshall and Jaden Hardy can get it going too.
They’re missing key players but do they have enough? Or will they need to sign a center with their remaining roster spot?
© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
