Anthony Davis and the Dallas Mavericks can’t seem to find a rhythm. Injuries and illness have turned the star forward’s second season in the Mavericks into a frustrating waiting game, leaving fans wondering which version of the lineup they will see on any given night.
With the team preparing to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, the focus remains squarely on Davis’ availability.
Will Anthony Davis Play Against the 76ers?
Injuries continue to plague Davis during his second season with the Mavericks. A strained calf sidelined him for all but one game in November, stalling his momentum after he played the team’s first five games of the 2025-26 NBA campaign.
However, December has brought better results. Since returning to the hardwood against the Los Angeles Lakers on Nov. 28, Davis has been available for six of the last seven games. His return has coincided with improved on-court performances for the Mavericks, though a new ailment surfaced during their matchup against the Detroit Pistons on Dec. 18.
Davis battled an illness throughout that contest but still managed to log 37 minutes. He finished with 15 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks despite dealing with the sickness.
“Still feel under the weather. Actually threw up twice during the game. Just trying to compete and just trying to do whatever I can to help the team win. Just leaving it all on the floor. Calf is good,” Davis said after the game, via reporter Noah Weber.
While the illness lingers, it hasn’t kept him off the court entirely. He participated in the team’s shootaround session in Philadelphia ahead of Saturday’s 7 p.m. ET tip-off, per reporter Grant Afseth.
Can the Mavericks Salvage Their Season With Davis?
The Mavericks certainly benefit from having Davis active in the frontcourt. In the 12 games he has appeared in, the Mavericks has posted a respectable 7-5 record. He is averaging 19.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game. Additionally, he is shooting 50.5% from the field, 33.3% from beyond the arc, and 70.2% from the free-throw line.
Those numbers stand in stark contrast to the team’s performance without him. November proved brutal for the Mavericks as the calf strain kept Davis sidelined. The team produced a 4-12 record across 16 games that month. December has been a step in the right direction since his return, with the team going 5-2 since the month began.
The Mavericks holds an 11-17 record at this point in the season, sitting in 11th place in the Western Conference standings. They are currently tied with the Utah Jazz and trail both the Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors. They will need to maintain their recent form to climb back into the postseason conversation.
Following their matchup against the 76ers, the Mavericks will gear up for their next road contest. They take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Dec. 22 at 8 p.m. ET.
