While the Dallas Mavericks are still out of the Western Conference playoff picture, they are slowly building momentum, going 5-5 in their last 10 games.
First overall pick Cooper Flagg is thriving, and another strong week of play could catapult them into the final Western Conference Play-In Tournament spot. However, the team is still dealing with injuries to several notable players.
What Is the Latest Update on the Mavericks’ Key Absences
The biggest absence at the moment is nine-time All-Star Anthony Davis, who has missed extended time this season while dealing with calf issues. Davis suffered a left calf strain in late October, and is now dealing with a contusion.
ESPN’s latest Mavericks injury report lists Davis as “day-to-day” and considered “questionable” for the Mavericks’ upcoming game against the Detroit Pistons.
The subject of constant trade rumors, Davis is averaging 20.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 51.7% from the field. Davis has only appeared in 11 games this season, which has frustrated Mavs fans. With general manager Nico Harrison now out of the organization, It seems like Davis’ exit is inevitable.
Nine-time All-Star Kyrie Irving is the other big name on the Mavericks’ injury report. The point guard is still going through rehabilitation following surgery on the torn left ACL he sustained this past March. ESPN says that “Irving remains out indefinitely and doesn’t have a return timetable.”
Irving was originally brought to Dallas to form a high octane backcourt pairing with Luka Doncic. The All-Stars led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024, but that may seem like a lifetime ago to fans, especially once Harrison traded Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
With Irving sidelined, the team signed former All-Star D’Angelo Russell this past offseason, hoping he would provide stability at point guard. However, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has increasingly had the offense go through Flagg instead and Russell has been underwhelming this season.
ESPN notes that the Mavs currently have Russell as questionable for the moment due to illness.
We mic’d up Dwight for his favorite event of the year 🍪🎅 More wholesome content for the holidays 🫶@Target // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/glMFBiLsVK
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) December 18, 2025
Brandon Williams has received extended guard minutes due to Russell’s struggles, but now he is considered questionable for the time being, as ESPN notes that the team says Williams is dealing with Achilles soreness. It appears undrafted rookie Ryan Nembhard will be the Mavs’ floor general for the foreseeable future.
The Mavericks are also missing a key defense anchor, as center Dereck Lively II is out for the season after having surgery on his right foot.
The Mavs will continue leaning on Flagg during this tough stretch.
