Anthony Davis Sidelined Again as Mavericks Battle Injury Crisis
The Dallas Mavericks will face the Washington Wizards on November 8, 2025, without their star forward Anthony Davis, who continues to recover from a left calf injury that has kept him off the court since October 29, 2025. This marks the fifth consecutive game Davis will miss, dealing another blow to the struggling Mavericks franchise.
Injury Details and Recovery Timeline
Anthony Davis initially suffered from bilateral Achilles tendinopathy before aggravating his left calf during the team's matchup against the Indiana Pacers. Despite showing positive signs of recovery, including participation in light on-court workouts and reportedly "feeling better," the Mavericks medical staff remains cautious.
Head coach Jason Kidd has described Davis' status as "day-to-day" but emphasized the team's priority on long-term health over short-term gains. The forward was briefly upgraded to "doubtful" before the official injury report but was ultimately ruled out before tipoff against the Wizards.
The Mavericks' medical team appears unwilling to risk any setback, particularly given the delicate nature of calf and Achilles injuries that can linger if not properly healed.
Mavericks' Extensive Injury List
Davis isn't the only key player missing from the Mavericks lineup. The team faces one of the roughest injury stretches in the entire league with multiple starters and key contributors sidelined:
- Kyrie Irving continues recovering from ACL surgery and isn't expected back until January
- Dereck Lively II is rehabbing a knee issue with potential return next week
- Dante Exum remains a game-time decision but likely out with knee concerns
- Daniel Gafford is day-to-day with a sore right ankle
With so many absences, younger players like Cooper Flagg and P.J. Washington are being thrust into larger roles. Flagg, who has impressed coaches with his consistency and energy, is set to appear in his tenth straight game, while Washington will be relied upon heavily for scoring and leadership.
Critical Matchup Against Struggling Wizards
The Mavericks enter this contest with a disappointing 2-7 record and are currently mired in a four-game losing streak. Their opponents, the Washington Wizards, aren't faring much better with a 1-8 record this season.
Both teams find themselves near the bottom of their respective conferences, making this matchup a potential turning point for either franchise. The game represents what might be the best opportunity for both teams to secure a much-needed victory and build some early-season momentum.
Without Anthony Davis, Dallas must depend heavily on its young core and bench players to stay competitive against the Wizards. Coach Jason Kidd faces the challenging task of keeping the squad competitive while carefully managing the health of his top stars.
The ongoing absence of Anthony Davis continues to cast a shadow over the Mavericks' season, with his return timetable remaining uncertain. For now, Dallas will need collective resilience, creative rotations, and breakout performances from unexpected sources to stay afloat in the competitive Western Conference.
