The Dallas Mavericks (5-14) are visiting the Los Angeles Lakers (13-4) at the Crypto.com Arena tonight for NBA Cup action, although they have no chance to advance to the next round. The big question heading into the contest is whether star big man Anthony Davis will be available to play tonight against his former team.
According to the latest official NBA injury report, the Mavericks have listed Anthony Davis as probable (left calf strain). However, ESPNās Shams Charania has reported that he is expected to return to the court tonight.
Davis has missed 14 consecutive games after sustaining a calf strain against the Indiana Pacers on October 29th. Since arriving at the Mavericks in the trade involving Luka Doncic, he has only participated in 14 contestsāa fact that has clearly frustrated the fan base, leading to rumors of a possible trade.
Despite being sidelined for a significant part of the season, Davis has performed well when healthy. In just five games, he was averaging 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks while shooting 52.0\% from the field.
Anthony Davis during a game with the Mavericks. (Getty Images)
A special night for Davis
If Davis suits up for the game at the Crypto.com Arena, it will be a special night not only because he is returning after a 14-game absence but also because he will face the Lakers for the first time since the trade with Doncic in February.
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Mavericksā Anthony Davis makes a major statement on the trade rumors involving him
As for Luka Doncic, this will be the third time he has faced the Mavericks, and his numbers suggest he plays extremely well against his former team. Through the two games he has played against Dallas, Doncic is averaging 36.7 points, 11.5 rebounds, 9.0 assists, and 3.5 steals, having won on both occasions.
Doncic will be searching for a third victory against the team that introduced him to the NBA and, if the Lakers secure the win, they will guarantee a home game for the quarter-finals of the NBA Cup.
