The Dallas Mavericks are on the ropes, as a bevy of injuries have put their hopes of finding their way into the NBA's play-in tournament in jeopardy. However, the latest injury update on superstar forward Anthony Davis could be just what the team needs as they begin to make their final playoff push.
The Mavericks shocked the league when they swung a blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Lakers that yielded them Davis, while sending Luka Doncic the other way. It's a deal that caught everyone off guard, including Davis, who revealed he was stunned to learn that he had been traded.
"I was shocked. I had no idea," Davis said after the deal took place. "I had just sent the team a text about congratulations on the win against the Knicks, big win, and then looking forward to Tuesday's game against the Clippers, as far as standing purposes. And then, found out like an hour later I was no longer with the team. I was in shock, obviously. Had no idea that it was happening."
Davis ended up suffering a left adductor injury in his first game for the Mavericks on Feb. 23, and he has been sidelined since then. He's been working his way back to health behind the scenes, and he reportedly remains determined to get back on the court, even though some folks in the Mavericks building are trying to change his mind.
"He is steadfast in his determination to want to return this season, maybe as soon as next week, despite the fact there are people within the Mavericks organization that have tried to talk him out of it, said the risk-reward is not there. There are people who'd rather shut him down for the season. AD's not trying to hear all of that," Tim MacMahon of ESPN said on "NBA Today."
"[Anthony Davis] is steadfast in his determination to want to return this season, maybe as soon as next week despite the fact there are people within the Mavericks organization that have tried to talk him out of it."
Tim MacMahon on AD's injury status.pic.twitter.com/jt7RxkTpFm
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 19, 2025
Despite having just a 33-36 record, the Mavericks currently hold the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference, which would earn them a spot in the play-in tournament. The Phoenix Suns are breathing right down their neck, though, as they sit just a game behind them, which could make Davis' impending return even more important.
Related: Video of Mavericks Star Anthony Davis Golfing in Texas Captures Attention
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This story was originally published March 19, 2025 at 3:26 PM.