The Dallas Mavericks (2-6) are visiting the Memphis Grizzlies (3-6) tonight at the FedExForum for a group stage game of the NBA Cup. The biggest uncertainty for the visiting team is the availability of star big man Anthony Davis.
According to the latest official NBA injury report, the Mavericks have listed Anthony Davis as doubtful (left calf strain) for tonightās contest in Memphis. The former Lakers star joins a growing list of unavailable players: Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), Dereck Lively II (right knee sprain), and Dante Exum (right knee injury management) are all out for tonight.
Davis has missed the last three games after sustaining a calf strain in the victory against the Pacers, where he was only able to play seven minutes. While being listed as doubtful still suggests he is unlikely to play, the designation is an upgrade from being previously listed as out. This offers a slightly more optimistic outlook for the Mavericks, who desperately need to reverse their slow start.
During the Mavericksā first four games, the 10-time All-Star was dominating on both ends of the court, averaging 25.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, while shooting 52.1% from the field and 27.3% from three.
Anthony Davis during a game against the Thunder. (Getty Images)
Mavericks struggling with slow start
The season clearly has not started as the Mavericks envisioned. They were dominated 125-92 by the Spurs in the season opener, then fell to the Wizards, before securing their first victory against the Raptors.
see also
Mavericksā Cooper Flagg makes a major statement about his career after loss vs Pelicans
The struggles continued with a loss to the reigning champions, the OKC Thunder, before they managed their secondāand only otherāvictory so far against the Pacers. The significant bad news were that they lost Davis to injury during that game and have failed to win in the three contests he has missed since.
In addition to Davis, Daniel Gafford missed the first five games of the season while recovering from an injury, and Dereck Lively II has been absent for the last five games due to a knee injury.
The Mavericks are currently dealing with far more offensive problems than defensive ones, which is why Davisā return would be a major boost for a team struggling to generate points.
Klay Thompson is having a difficult start to the season, averaging only 8.5 points per game, while rookie Cooper Flagg has stepped up as the second-leading scorer behind Davis, with an average of 14.4 points per contest.
