The Dallas Mavericks will miss Anthony Davis when they host the Denver Nuggets on January 14, 2026. Davis has been ruled out with a left finger sprain, leaving a significant hole in Dallas's frontcourt for this key Western Conference game at American Airlines Center.
Injury Woes Deepen for Struggling Mavericks
This absence comes at a difficult time for the Dallas Mavericks. Injuries have decimated their regular rotation, forcing the team to rely heavily on depth players. They must navigate this challenging stretch while trying to remain competitive in the playoff race. Facing a top-tier Denver team, the Mavericks have virtually no margin for error.
Anthony Davis Injury Status and Timeline
Anthony Davis is dealing specifically with a left finger sprain. Medical staff will re-evaluate his condition in approximately six weeks. His absence adds to an already lengthy injury list for Dallas.
Kyrie Irving remains sidelined following left knee surgery. Dante Exum is also unavailable after undergoing right knee surgery. Dereck Lively II continues his recovery from right foot surgery.
Making matters worse, P.J. Washington is questionable with a right ankle issue. This could further deplete Dallas's frontcourt options. With so many key players out, the Mavericks will likely turn to Jaden Hardy and Dwight Powell for increased minutes and stability.
Impact of Losing Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis has been instrumental in Dallas's success against Denver this season. He scored over 30 points in both previous victories, dominating the paint on offense and defense. Without him, the Mavericks lose crucial interior defense, rebounding strength, and a reliable scoring option during slower possessions.
Dallas currently sits around 12th place in the Western Conference standings. Their position remains fragile even on their home court. Playing without Davis makes climbing the standings an even tougher challenge.
Denver Nuggets Enter with Strong Form
The Denver Nuggets arrive in Dallas holding third place in the West with a 27–13 record. They have won four of their last five games. Denver has maintained competitiveness even during periods without star center Nikola Jokic. This consistency gives them a clear advantage against a short-handed opponent like Dallas.
Game Outlook and Key Factors
The matchup tips off at 6:30 PM ET. The total points line is set at 225.5, suggesting expectations for a balanced scoring game rather than a high-speed shootout.
For Dallas to stay competitive, they will need exceptional guard play and maximum effort in the paint. For Denver, patience and utilizing their depth could be enough to control the game from start to finish.
With Anthony Davis unavailable, this game becomes a true test of Dallas's resilience and their ability to compete with limited resources.
