Dallas’ injury list grew longer on Wednesday night when center Anthony Davis exited less than one quarter into the Mavericks’ 107-105 home victory over the Indiana Pacers.
Davis limped off with lower left leg soreness after landing awkwardly on a layup, grimacing before heading to the locker room during a timeout, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. The 31-year-old had been listed as probable before tip-off because of bilateral Achilles tendinopathy, raising pre-game concern about his availability.
“He tried to return,” head coach Jason Kidd told reporters after the game, per Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal. “We didn’t want to take any chances. We’ll see how he feels going forward.”
The setback continues a familiar theme for Davis. He appeared in 76 games last season—the only time he has topped 60 since 2020—and has played in just nine contests for Dallas since arriving from the Lakers in the Luka Dončić blockbuster. His Mavericks debut ended with an adductor strain that cost him 18 games.
Davis arrived at training camp largely healthy this year, aside from offseason retina surgery that now requires him to wear protective goggles. His latest issue leaves Dallas even thinner up front, with rookies Dereck Lively II (knee sprain) and newly acquired Daniel Gafford (ankle) already sidelined.
The Mavericks held on without their All-Star, improving to 107-105 behind Dončić’s late free throws, but the team must now wait for the next update on Davis’ status.
Source: Hoops Wire
