The Dallas Mavericks are facing one of the most tumultuous stretches in recent franchise history, and it doesn’t look like the tide is turning any time soon.
Fresh off an official injury press release, the team has confirmed that Anthony Davis, along with other key players Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II, continue to battle injury setbacks, casting a long shadow over the Mavs’ playoff hopes.
The Dallas Mavericks Official Press Release
The press release, issued by the Mavericks, reveals that forward/center Anthony Davis could make his way back on the court sooner than many had expected. Davis, who has been out for the last 10 games due to a left adductor strain, has been continuously improving and is apparently cleared for more “dynamic on-court movements”.
The injury updates. pic.twitter.com/kroDB2Tmyk
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) March 7, 2025
Initially hailed as the cornerstone of their revamped roster following the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić packing to the Los Angeles Lakers, David had a great Mavs debut. In his first game with the franchise, he put up 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists, providing a glimpse for Mavs fans of what could be in the years to come.
However, that small glimmer of hope quickly diminished as he suffered the strain in that very same game, and hasn’t played again since.
Davis wasn’t the only casualty either. Center Dereck Lively II, who has now been out for 23 games with a right ankle stress fracture, is in the midst of rehabilitation. Though recent evaluations suggest he’s making progress and has begun individual court, it feels unlikely that we’ll see him again this season.
Adding to the woes, Daniel Gafford, another crucial piece for Dallas, has been out for nine games due to a right knee sprain and is scheduled for another evaluation in two weeks.
How Have the Mavericks Performed Without Their Stars?
These injuries have had a profound effect on the team’s performance. With Davis, Lively II, and Gafford all out of the rotation, the Mavs have gone 4-6, having won just one game in their last five. To make matters worse, that sole win was against the lowly Charlotte Hornets.
Currently hovering around .500 with a record of 32-31, Dallas is struggling to put together wins and could very well miss out on the postseason altogether.
Adding to the disarray is the catastrophic injury to star guard Kyrie Irving. Once the team’s leading scorer and only remaining reliable offensive weapon, Irving suffered a season-ending torn ACL in his left knee during a game against the Sacramento Kings. Averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game, his loss has left an even greater void.
While the official update offers a sliver of hope that Davis, Lively II and Gafford are progressing and could make their return to the court soon, it feels unlikely that we’ll see any of them again this season. With the team now three games away from missing out on the play-in tournament, I’m sure none of them are in any rush to get back.
It’s safe to say that the Mavericks’ once-promising post-trade outlook has rapidly deteriorated, with every game now becoming a battle of survival.