Power Forward Anthony Davis had a dominant debut for the Dallas Mavericks in Saturday’s home game vs. the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center in downtown Dallas. However, Davis’ dominance ended early due to a lower-body injury. Davis, 31, last missed the past three games for the Los Angeles Lakers and the first two for the Mavericks due to an abdominal muscle strain.
Despite leaving Saturday’s game early and Dallas holding on for a 116-105 win over Houston, Davis appeared to downplay his injury, as he told reporters that he was fine and this wasn’t serious. Fast forward to Sunday night when sources told ESPN that Davis was expected to sit out multiple weeks with a left adductor strain. Read on for the latest on Davis’ injury.
Anthony Davis’ Latest Injury
Anthony Davis’ latest injury, a left adductor strain, affected the muscles to the inner side of the left thigh, also known as the adductor muscles. Davis initially downplayed his lower-body injury in his postgame interview and said that he was “very confident” that it wasn’t a significant setback. He told ESPN, “Just the leg got tight, like a little spasm … Just came back and tried to get it loose and everything. Obviously, dealing with the ab [abdominal] strain still, so just tried to get it loose. It wouldn’t really loosen up and let go, but it’s nothing serious. I’m fine.”
ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the news in an X, formerly Twitter, post on Sunday. Charania wrote, “Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis is expected to miss multiple weeks with a left adductor strain, sources tell ESPN. His absence could stretch to a month.” Charania’s post sparked mixed emotions, with one user writing that the Los Angeles Lakers knew and traded Davis, and another user asking how the Dallas Mavericks won the trade.
Anthony Davis Attracts Attention
Anthony Davis attracted attention to himself for mostly the right reasons. Davis has been averaging 25.7 points, 12 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 52.8% from the field and 31.3% from downtown in the 2024-25 NBA season. He averaged 24.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game while shooting 52.3% from the field and 29.8% from downtown, in his NBA career.
When healthy, Davis can successfully play the Power Forward and Center positions. He also excels in versatility, finishing ability, and defensive skills in general. In addition, he’s a smart player who can be trusted by players and coaches alike. He could be a key part of any NBA team’s rebuild, which is a possible reason why the Mavericks gave him a chance and traded for him.
Dallas Mavericks’ Injury Report
As of Sunday, the Dallas Mavericks’ injury report ruled out Anthony Davis with a left adductor strain, Caleb Martin with a hip injury, Dereck Lively II with a right ankle stress fracture, and Dwight Powell with a right hip strain. The Mavericks listed Dante Exum with left Achilles tightness, Max Christie with a right shoulder strain, and PJ Washington with a right ankle sprain as questionable ahead of Monday’s game vs. the Sacramento Kings.
Davis will be out for now, but the “Twin Towers” concept has worked for the Mavericks in the past — and can work again. The Mavericks’ I-45 rival, the Houston Rockets, used the “Twin Towers” in the 1980s with Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson. The Mavericks’ I-35 rival, the San Antonio Spurs, used the “Twin Towers” in 1999 and 2003 with Tim Duncan and David Robinson.
