The Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards are in a race to the bottom, and neither team is winning. With both franchises anchored to the bottom of their respective conferences, their upcoming matchup is less about a victory and more about avoiding further embarrassment. For Dallas, the situation feels especially dire, as a growing injury list threatens to derail the 2025-26 season before it ever truly gets started.
This is not the season the Mavericks envisioned. The team fell short in the play-in tournament during the 2024-25 campaign, marking a disappointing finish after reaching the NBA Finals the previous year. However, the organization tried to generate new optimism this offseason by acquiring Cooper Flagg with the first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Unfortunately, a string of injuries to key players has so far prevented a healthy Dallas squad from taking the floor.
Will Anthony Davis Play Against the Washington Wizards?
After Anthony Davis underwent eye surgery this offseason, many hoped he would be fully healthy to start the year. While Davis entered the season in good shape, that luck did not last. He strained his left calf during a game against the Indiana Pacers and has been sidelined ever since.
Following the injury, Davis was diagnosed with bilateral Achilles tendinopathy and has already missed four straight games for the Mavericks. According to the latest injury reports, he is likely to remain sidelined for the team’s upcoming game against the Wizards.
The Mavericks’ problems do not stop there. The roster is filled with injuries, as Kyrie Irving is still undergoing rehabilitation following his ACL surgery and is expected to miss the entire season. Additionally, Dereck Lively II and Dante Exum are dealing with their own knee injuries, while Daniel Gafford is recovering from a sore right ankle.
Not having Davis or Irving in the lineup has significantly hurt the Mavericks’ start to the season. Despite having Flagg supported by veterans such as PJ Washington and Klay Thompson, the Dallas Mavericks currently sit at the bottom of the Western Conference with a record of two wins and seven losses.
Can the Wizards Capitalize on the Mavericks’ Misfortune?
As the Mavericks look to break their four-game losing streak, they face a Wizards team in a similarly desperate situation. While Dallas holds the worst record in the Western Conference, Washington occupies a similar position in the Eastern Conference, with a subpar one win and eight losses. Moreover, the Wizards are currently suffering through a seven-game losing streak.
Although their roster is relatively healthy, with only Bilal Coulibaly and Kyshawn George listed as day-to-day, the team has struggled significantly. Still, Washington has a real chance to secure a win against a depleted Dallas team. With experienced stars on their roster, such as Khris Middleton and CJ McCollum, it is certainly possible for them to get a much-needed victory.
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Adding to their confidence, the Wizards’ sole win so far this season came in an earlier matchup against the Mavericks. Washington managed to win that game even though Davis was healthy and on the court at the time, which suggests the Wizards have a good chance of repeating the feat.
This puts immense pressure on the Mavericks, who cannot afford the criticism that would follow a second loss to the Wizards. For two struggling teams, this game is a critical opportunity to turn things around.
