The Dallas Mavericks are once again without Anthony Davis, and the situation is adding to an already frustrating season. The Mavericks are 5-15 without Davis this season, which proves how crucial he is for the team. Head coach Jason Kidd offered a blunt assessment of Davis’ recurring injuries and how the team plans to move ahead in his absence.
Jason Kidd Reveals Mavericks’ Plans Moving Ahead in Anthony Davis’ Absence
Davis is sidelined with ligament damage in his left hand, which he suffered during the Mavericks’ Jan. 8, 2026, game against the Utah Jazz. The All-Star big man has appeared in only 20 games this season, continuing a pattern of availability issues since arriving in Dallas.
With Davis out, the Mavericks have slipped to 12th place in the Western Conference with a 15-25 record. Their playoff hopes are fading, and the strain is starting to show.
Mavericks beat writer Mike Curtis shared Jason Kidd’s comments on X on Jan. 12, offering a clear look at how the team is handling Davis’ recurring injuries.
“The team is playing. We’ve been through this before, not just with AD, but we’ve been hit with a lot of injuries the last two years. It’s next man up mentality. You gotta play. You gotta be a pro,” Kidd said.
Davis has already undergone an MRI and is currently seeking multiple medical opinions. NBA insider Shams Charania previously reported that surgery is a possibility. If Davis opts for surgery to repair the hand injury, he would likely miss several months. That outcome would almost certainly end his season.
Dallas has struggled to build momentum all year. The Mavericks suffered a four-game losing streak that began on Christmas Day against the Golden State Warriors, a game in which Davis also exited early due to a right groin strain.
The team briefly showed signs of life with back-to-back wins, but that progress stalled again following Davis’ latest injury. Dallas did manage to secure a 113-105 win against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, Jan. 12, offering a small boost amid the ongoing uncertainty.
Kidd Offered No Return Timeline for Davis
Kidd also provided an update on Davis’ decision timeline ahead of that game.
“I think that’s sometime this week that he’ll talk to the doctors,” Kidd said. “But there is no schedule or timetable on when he’s going to make that announcement.”
Davis was present for pregame warmups against the Nets but did not participate. He was seen without heavy wrapping on his hand, though that alone does not clarify how close he is to returning.
Kidd’s job has not been easy this season, as injuries and inconsistency have repeatedly disrupted the rotation. With teams like the Clippers sitting 11th are hovering just ahead in the standings, Dallas is trying to stay competitive despite the setbacks.
For now, the Mavericks are pushing forward with a short-handed roster, waiting on Davis’ decision and hoping to salvage what remains of a difficult season.
