The Dallas Mavericks came into the 2025-26 season with tempered expectations, but even so, their 10-17 start has raised more than a few eyebrows. With a roster in transition and a franchise eyeing the future, the early returns have been underwhelming - and the uncertainty surrounding Anthony Davis isn't helping matters.
Davis, who’s been battling a left calf contusion, is officially listed as questionable for Thursday night’s home matchup against the surging Detroit Pistons. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd confirmed the update, noting that Davis missed Monday’s game in Utah after suiting up for the previous six. His availability remains a game-time decision.
It’s another frustrating chapter in what’s been a stop-and-start season for Davis, whose presence - when healthy - still commands attention on both ends of the floor. But the inconsistency in his availability has only fueled the trade chatter, with the Pistons emerging as a team to watch in potential conversations.
Detroit, for their part, has been one of the surprise stories of the season. They currently sit atop the Eastern Conference standings, holding a 2.5-game lead over the second-place New York Knicks.
With a strong young core and a front office that’s clearly not afraid to be aggressive, the Pistons are reportedly exploring ways to bolster their roster for a deep postseason run. Davis, if healthy, would represent a major swing.
Meanwhile, Dallas finds itself at a clear crossroads. While this wasn’t expected to be a title-contending year, the front office was surely hoping for more cohesion and competitiveness out of the gate. Instead, the Mavericks are staring down a season that’s quickly slipping away - and that could lead to some big decisions.
One of those decisions centers around the future of their veteran pieces, and how they fit with the team’s new direction. Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, has already given the franchise a spark of hope.
The 18-year-old phenom recently made history as the youngest player in NBA history to drop 40 points in a game - a performance that didn’t just turn heads, it turned the page. The Mavericks are clearly building around him, and that means everything else is on the table.
Whether Davis is part of that future remains to be seen. His talent is undeniable, but durability and timeline alignment are real questions for a team that’s shifting gears toward youth and long-term development.
Tip-off between the Mavericks and Pistons is set for Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET. Whether Davis suits up or not, all eyes will be on Dallas - not just for what happens on the court, but for what moves might be brewing behind the scenes.