The Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers meet for their second NBA Cup matchup, a game both teams desperately need as they look to improve their negative records and regain momentum. As tipoff approaches, one key question stands out: Will Anthony Davis play?
Dallas enter the night with several key frontcourt players listed as uncertain, but everything starts with Anthony Davis. The star big man has missed the last seven games because of a mild calf strain, and for now, he is ruled out for this Clippers matchup.
There were reports suggesting that former general manager Nico Harrison pushed for Davis to return sooner than advised. Davis reportedly wanted to play, but the medical staff â along with team owner Patrick Dumont â disagreed. Harrison was dismissed days later, and Dumont is firm about not letting Davis step on the court until the team is sure he cannot worsen the injury.
It is a cautious approach that makes sense, especially given the rise in Achilles injuries last season â many of them connected to calf strains. Still, determining the right moment for a return is difficult, particularly for a player who entered the year out of shape, as Davis reportedly did.
Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball.
The injury concerns facing the Mavericks
The Mavericks are dealing with a severe injury situation, operating almost like a medical unit given the number of sidelined starters. P.J. Washington left Wednesdayâs game with a left shoulder strain and remains questionable, as does Dereck Lively II, who is recovering from a knee sprain. Lively has missed nine straight games, and the team has provided little clarity regarding the nature of his setback.
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Then come the players who are fully ruled out: Kyrie Irving (left knee ACL surgery recovery) and Dante Exum (right knee injury management) remain unavailable.
Dallas must also be cautious with their No. 1 pick, Cooper Flagg. The rookie is officially available for the NBA Cup game, but he is dealing with a right thumb sprain and a minor left shoulder issue â injuries the Mavericks do not consider serious enough to place on the report.
