The Dallas Mavericks have provided a significant update on Anthony Davis’ status as he continues to recover from a calf strain. The team has officially listed Davis as doubtful for their upcoming game against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 7.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Davis has been upgraded from out to doubtful due to a low-grade calf strain. While doubtful doesn’t guarantee his availability for the Grizzlies game, it does indicate progress in his recovery. It’s expected that Davis will likely be declared out before tip-off, but barring any setbacks, he should be returning sooner rather than later.
In addition to Davis, the Mavericks will also be without young center Dereck Lively II, who is sidelined with a lingering knee injury. Coach Jason Kidd plans to rely on Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington, and Dwight Powell in their absence.
### Injury Background and Recovery
Davis suffered the calf injury on October 29 during a game against the Indiana Pacers. He was diagnosed with a low-grade calf strain and was initially ruled out for two games, according to the Mavericks’ PR department. However, he is now at risk of missing his fourth consecutive game.
### Coaching Staff Comments
Davis’ doubtful status aligns with an earlier update from Coach Jason Kidd. Kidd informed reporters that Davis is considered day-to-day and has been gradually ramping up his activities in practice. “AD is ramping up. He’s going to continue to be evaluated day-to-day,” Kidd said.
### Anthony Davis’ Time With the Mavericks
Since being acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in the Luka Doncic trade last February, Davis has played only 14 regular season games for Dallas. He suffered an adductor injury in his Mavericks debut, sidelining him for 18 games. Although he finished the regular season strong, the team ultimately failed to qualify for the playoffs.
Adding to his injury woes, Davis sustained an eye injury during the final part of the campaign and underwent offseason surgery to address it. He now has to wear protective goggles for the rest of his career, as reported by Christian Clark of The Athletic.
### Mavericks’ Performance Without Davis
The Mavericks were struggling with a 1-3 record before Davis’ calf injury. They managed to secure a win against the Indiana Pacers despite Davis missing the final three quarters of that game. However, since his diagnosis, Dallas has dropped three straight games against the Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, and New Orleans Pelicans.
Coach Jason Kidd made a lineup adjustment against the Pelicans by removing Klay Thompson from the starting lineup. In Thompson’s place, D’Angelo Russell made his first start of the season at point guard, while Cooper Flagg moved back to his natural small forward position. Notably, this was Flagg’s first time playing small forward since the coaching staff had been using him as the team’s point guard while awaiting Kyrie Irving’s return.
### Current Standings and Outlook
With a 2-6 record, the Mavericks are currently tied with the Pelicans for the worst record in the Western Conference. Their home record stands at 2-4 during this stretch, and the team faces the challenge of improving as they begin playing more games on the road.
Despite these difficulties, the gradual return of Anthony Davis offers hope that the Mavericks can turn their season around in the coming weeks.
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