The Dallas Mavericks have faced one of the most challenging seasons in recent memory. Once expected to make a deep playoff run, a series of questionable front-office decisions and major injuries have put their season in jeopardy.
The biggest shake-up came when Luka Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. The move was widely criticized, but with Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson, fans still hoped Dallas could compete at a high level.
However, things quickly took a disastrous turn. Davis suffered a left groin injury in his first game with the Mavericks on Feb. 8, sidelining him ever since. Adding to their woes, Irving suffered a season-ending ACL injury, and starting center Daniel Gafford remains out with a right MCL sprain.
Now, Dallas may finally be getting some much-needed reinforcements. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavericks have listed Davis as doubtful for their upcoming game against the Brooklyn Nets, but he could return as soon as Tuesday against the Orlando Magic or Thursday against the New York Knicks.
This news comes as a major sigh of relief for the Mavericks, who desperately need a boost in their playoff push.
Tuesday at Knicks or Thursday at Orlando have emerged as targets for Anthony Davis' return to the Mavericks' lineup, @TheSteinLine has learned.
Out since Feb. 8, Davis is officially listed as doubtful Monday at Brooklyn but is in contention now to play at Madison Square Garden. https://t.co/P7c5nBUj5U
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 24, 2025
Before his injury, Davis was playing at an elite level, averaging 25.7 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 5.7 assists on 52.8% field goal. He was also a leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year before going down.
Just a year after making the NBA Finals, the Mavericks are now in a battle for a play-in spot, sitting tied with the Phoenix Suns at the 10th seed (34-37). Should Davis return, he could be the key piece in salvaging Dallas' season and keeping their postseason hopes alive.
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This story was originally published March 24, 2025 at 3:05 AM.