Anthony Davis Nearing Return as Mavericks Battle Injuries

The Dallas Mavericks will finally be getting some reinforcements.

Anthony Davis was recently assigned to the Texas Legends, Dallas’ G-League affiliate, a sign that the All-Star big man is nearing a return to the court. It could not have come at a better time for a Mavericks team overloaded with injuries. Davis has been out since Feb. 8 — his first game with the club — with a strained left adductor.

In his only appearance with Dallas, Davis showcased his immense ability. The former Laker poured in 26 points, 16 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 blocks in only 31 minutes in a win over the Houston Rockets. His prolonged absence has riled up the fanbase even further. Especially as Mavericks fans have had to watch Luka Doncic star for a Los Angeles team that has been streaking since the shocking trade.

Since Davis has been gone, the Mavericks’ season has cratered. Kyrie Irving was ruled out for the season after suffering a torn ACL two weeks ago. Dallas’ two other centers — Dereck Lively and Daniel Gafford — have both been out for extended time. Lively last appeared on Jan. 14 and Gafford has been out for over a month. 2023 first-round pick Olivier-Maxence Prosper had wrist surgery which will sideline him for the rest of the year. Dante Exum fractured his hand last week and will be out for at least a month.

Dallas’ injured list was becoming so problematic that there were rumblings the team was going to be forced to forfeit games moving forward. In recent contests, the Mavericks have only suited up healthy eight players — the league minimum. Two of those players were on a two-way contract which was nearing expiration. The team doesn’t have the sufficient salary cap to add more players to the roster.

With Davis nearing a return and Jaden Hardy set to return soon, the Mavericks should be able to avoid a disastrous situation. Dallas is currently holding the 10th seed — the last spot in the play-in tournament — in the Western Conference. They are 1.5 games ahead of the 11th seed Phoenix Suns. Davis getting back on the court could be enough for the Mavericks to hold their spot with just four weeks left in the regular season.