Key Takeaways
- Anthony Davis has suffered ligament damage in his left hand and may require surgery, potentially forcing him to miss several months.
- The injury occurred during a game against the Utah Jazz on January 8, when Davis made contact with Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen.
- Davis has played only 29 out of 80 games since being traded to the Dallas Mavericks in February 2025.
- The Mavericks are undergoing a rebuild and Davis’ age and salary may not align with the team’s long-term plans.
- The NBA trade deadline is February 5, and Davis’ injury timeline may keep him sidelined beyond the deadline.
Introduction to the Injury
The Dallas Mavericks have been dealt another blow with the news that Anthony Davis has suffered ligament damage in his left hand. An MRI taken on January 9 revealed the extent of the injury, which may require surgery. This is a significant setback for Davis and the Mavericks, who have already struggled with injuries to key players this season. The team announced that Davis is seeking multiple opinions on his injury, which is a standard procedure in such cases. ESPN was the first to report the news, and according to their sources, the injury may require surgery, potentially forcing Davis to miss several months.
The Incident and Initial Reaction
The injury occurred during a game against the Utah Jazz on January 8, when Davis made contact with Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen. Davis was defending Markkanen as he drove to the basket along the right baseline, and when the two made contact, Davis immediately favored his left hand. He briefly remained in the game but was then later substituted. At the time he left the game, Davis had scored 21 points on 10-of-20 shooting, adding 11 rebounds and 4 assists. This was a significant performance from Davis, and his absence was felt as the Mavericks went on to lose the game 116-114.
Impact on the Mavericks
For Davis and the Mavericks, this is another frustrating setback that has kept him from assimilating with the team. Earlier this season, Davis dealt with a lower foot and Achilles injury that also sidelined him for a few weeks. Since being traded to the Mavericks in February 2025, Davis has played only 29 out of 80 games. The Mavericks have struggled amid injuries to Davis and veteran point guard Kyrie Irving, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in March 2025. This has left No. 1 overall rookie Cooper Flagg to carry the Mavericks, but his effectiveness has been limited at times when opposing teams have focused their energy on limiting him.
Trade Implications and Future Plans
Complicating this further, Davis had been expected to be a potential trade target, as the Mavericks are undergoing something of a rebuild. The team fired former general manager Nico Harrison on November 11, 2025, and Davis’ age and salary may not align with Dallas’ long-term plans to compete. The NBA trade deadline is February 5, and given the projected timeline of Davis’ injury, that likely means he will remain sidelined beyond the deadline. This could impact the Mavericks’ trade plans, as they may not be able to showcase Davis’ skills to potential suitors. In 20 games this season, Davis is averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, which are impressive numbers considering the limited time he has spent on the court.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The injury to Anthony Davis is a significant blow to the Dallas Mavericks, who are already struggling to find their footing in the league. The team’s rebuild plans may not include Davis, and his age and salary may make him a less desirable asset. The Mavericks will have to rely on their younger players, including Cooper Flagg, to carry the team for the remainder of the season. As for Davis, he will have to focus on his recovery and hope to return to the court as soon as possible. The Mavericks’ future plans and Davis’ role in them will be uncertain until he is able to return to the court and prove his worth to the team.
