The Dallas Mavericks’ frontcourt has taken a significant hit to start the 2025-26 NBA season, compounding their already troubling injury concerns. However, reinforcements may be around the corner, with Mavericks coach Jason Kidd providing an encouraging update on superstar forward Anthony Davis’ calf recovery.
Davis suffered a low-grade left calf strain early in Dallas’ 107-105 home win over the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 29. Initially set to be re-evaluated after two games, the oft-injured 10-time All-Star remains sidelined, though he may not miss as much time as some feared.
What Is Anthony Davis’ Return Timeline From Calf Strain?
Ahead of Wednesday’s home clash against the New Orleans Pelicans, Davis’ third straight absence, Kidd expressed optimism about his top player returning soon, labeling him “day-to-day.”
“He is ramping up on the court, is continuing to be evaluated day-to-day, but he’s reported that he’s feeling better,” Kidd said.
Kidd added that Davis’ frontcourt partner, Dereck Lively II (knee), will “hopefully be back by next week.”
Dallas already entered the season short on point guard depth, with Kyrie Irving not expected to come back until at least the new year as he rehabs from his torn left ACL. With Davis and Irving both out of commission, the Mavericks have struggled to generate consistent offense, entering Wednesday ranked dead last in the NBA in offensive rating (103.6).
After testing out 2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg in a primary ball-handling role, Kidd made a change to his starting lineup against New Orleans, replacing struggling veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson with combo guard D’Angelo Russell. The move came after Dallas lost its first two games without Davis, dropping to an underwhelming 2-5 record.
Despite the switch-up, the Mavericks’ starting five still lacks offensive pop, necessitating Davis’ speedy return if the defensive-oriented squad hopes to keep its playoff hopes alive in the deep Western Conference. They ultimately came up just short against the floundering Pelicans (2-6), falling 101-99, with Flagg missing a potential game-tying shot attempt in the final seconds.
Fortunately for Dallas, Davis was present at shootaround earlier in the day and was all smiles as he took the court with his teammates, boding well for his timely comeback.
The 32-year-old’s next chance to suit up comes during Friday’s road clash against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Mavericks’ first contest of a brief two-game road trip, with his official status yet to be determined.
Through five appearances, Davis is averaging a team-high 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.2 blocks, and 0.6 3-pointers per game, shooting 52.0%.
