The Dallas Mavericks' hopes for a strong run in the 2025-26 NBA season have hit another stumbling block with their star forward, Anthony Davis, sidelined due to injury once more. The former All-Star's recurring fitness issues are becoming a significant concern for the franchise.
Christmas Day Setback: What Happened to Davis?
The latest blow came during the marquee Christmas Day matchup against the Golden State Warriors. Anthony Davis played only 11 minutes before an awkward move forced him to exit the game. He was seen visibly limping and clutching his right side before heading to the locker room. The team later diagnosed the issue as right adductor soreness, classified as a minor groin strain. As a precautionary measure, the Mavericks ruled him out for the remainder of the contest immediately.
This incident is not an isolated one for Davis this season. Earlier in the campaign, he was forced to miss several games due to a low-grade left calf strain, which required over a week of rest and recovery. Since his high-profile trade to Dallas in February of last year, Davis has been plagued by a series of muscle-related problems affecting his legs, adductors, and calves, causing him to miss a substantial number of games.
Recovery Timeline and Team Impact
So, how long will the Mavericks be without their key big man? According to NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN, the injury is considered minor. The current expectation is that Davis will miss only a handful of games in the immediate aftermath of Christmas. The team is adopting a day-by-day approach, with no official multi-week shutdown announced, which is a positive sign regarding the strain's severity.
Typically, a grade-1 groin strain like this requires one to two weeks of rest, targeted therapy, and careful rehabilitation to reduce swelling and restore strength. The Mavericks' medical staff will be cautious to prevent a re-aggravation, given the explosive demands of the sport.
His absence, however brief, creates a tangible hole in the Mavericks' frontcourt rotation. Players like Daniel Gafford, rookie Cooper Flagg, and Dwight Powell are likely to see increased minutes to fill the void. Furthermore, with the NBA trade deadline on the horizon, Davis's health status could inadvertently influence the team's roster decisions and his own market value.
A Worrying Pattern for Dallas
While injuries are part and parcel of an NBA veteran's career, especially for players of Davis's size and playing style, the consistent pattern of muscle issues is undeniably worrying for Dallas. The team's aspirations hinge on having their star player healthy and available, particularly during the grueling regular-season schedule. The Mavericks will be hoping this is merely a short-term setback and not a sign of more persistent problems to come. Fans are advised to follow the team's official medical updates for the latest on Davis's return to the court.
