Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis is expected to be sidelined for several games due to a groin injury sustained during the team’s 126-116 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day. ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Davis exited the game in the first half after experiencing spasms in his right groin. He quickly sought assistance from the sidelines and did not return to play following halftime, when he was officially ruled out.
Before his injury, Davis recorded 3 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1 steal. The Mavericks plan to monitor Davis’s condition closely, with evaluations set to occur daily. His situation is particularly significant as he is considered a potential trade target during the season.
Davis’s injury woes are unfortunately part of a broader trend, as the 32-year-old has faced consistent health challenges throughout his career. Earlier this season, he missed 14 consecutive games due to a calf strain and has been unavailable for 14 or more games in 11 of his 14 seasons in the NBA. The Mavericks, who acquired Davis in a trade that sent their previous franchise star, Luka Dončić, to the Los Angeles Lakers, were well aware of his injury history at the time of the trade.
Last season, after joining the Mavericks mid-year, Davis missed a troubling 24 out of 33 games due to injuries. This season, he has already been sidelined for 16 of 31 games, and with this latest injury, it seems likely he will miss additional time. The Mavericks currently sit at 12-20, placing them in 11th place in the Western Conference, raising concerns about their playoff aspirations amidst Davis’s ongoing health struggles.
Despite these challenges, the Mavericks remain hopeful that Davis’s return could reignite their season as they strive to climb the standings in the competitive Western Conference.