The Dallas Mavericks are once again dealing with uncertainty surrounding Anthony Davis’ health. Injuries have been a recurring issue for the star big man, and his latest setback has raised new concerns about his availability moving forward. Mavs HC Jason Kidd provided an update on Davis’ injury and his return timeline.
Jason Kidd Provides Update on Anthony Davis’ Return
Davis recently suffered ligament damage in his left hand during a game against the Utah Jazz on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2026. The injury was visible almost immediately. He was seen in clear discomfort on the bench before eventually heading to the locker room. After the game, the Mavericks confirmed that an MRI revealed ligament damage, and Davis is now seeking multiple medical opinions.
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd addressed the situation in a video shared by Noah Weber, stressing the importance of patience as Davis decides on his next steps.
“Patience is the key word there,” Kidd said. “He’s gotta make a decision on what he wants to do. At some point, he’ll make a decision of what he’s gonna do.”
Kidd’s comments suggest that the team is allowing Davis the time and space to evaluate his options, including the possibility of surgery. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, surgery remains on the table. If Davis chooses that route, he could be sidelined for several months, which would significantly impact the Mavs’ season.
The Mavericks already felt Davis’ absence on Saturday against the Chicago Bulls. Playing without their star forward, Dallas suffered a lopsided 125-107 loss.
The night became even more difficult when Kidd was ejected after a heated exchange with veteran referee Scott Foster. The loss highlighted how thin the margin is for a team that has struggled to stay healthy all season.
Davis’ Injury Puts Mavericks’ Season at Risk
Davis’ injury troubles have been a constant challenge since his move to Dallas. He has appeared in only 20 games so far this season. In November, he missed 14 games due to a calf injury.
He also sat out two games after Christmas because of a groin issue. With the latest hand injury, Davis has now missed 19 games overall.
Despite the limited availability, Davis has been highly productive when on the floor. He is averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.
He is also contributing 1.1 steals and 1.7 blocks while shooting 50.6% from the field in just over 31 minutes per night. His impact on both ends of the court has been clear, which makes his absence even more damaging for the Mavericks.
There has also been considerable speculation surrounding Davis. However, most of those discussions depend heavily on his health. The hand injury complicates matters further, especially with the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaching.
If Davis is unable to return soon, it could limit Dallas’ options and force the front office to make difficult decisions.
As a team, the Mavericks are struggling to find consistency. They recently picked up back-to-back wins against the Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings, which briefly gave them momentum.
That progress stalled after Davis went down. The Mavs have now dropped two straight games and continue to search for stability. For now, the focus remains on Davis’ recovery. Kidd made it clear that there is no rush.
