Anthony Davis' Status Still a Question Mark as Mavericks Eye Upset in Denver
The Dallas Mavericks are playing the long game with Anthony Davis - and for good reason. Since arriving in the blockbuster Luka Dončić trade nearly ten months ago, Davis has been more of a part-time contributor than a full-time anchor. At 32, his availability has become a nightly question, and the Mavs are treating him with the kind of caution usually reserved for vintage cars and playoff-bound veterans.
After suiting up against his former team, the Lakers, Davis was held out of the very next game - a gutsy win over the Clippers that saw rookie Cooper Flagg steal the spotlight with a career night. That game was the second half of a back-to-back, and the Mavericks have made it clear: no back-to-backs for Davis, at least for now. It’s all about managing his left calf and keeping him upright for the long haul.
Looking ahead, Dallas faces a tough test in Denver against the Nuggets at Ball Arena. The latest NBA injury report lists Davis as probable for that matchup, still tagged with “left calf/injury management.” That’s a cautious green light - he's more likely than not to play, but the Mavericks are still hedging their bets.
At 6-15, Dallas is desperate for a spark. A win over the 14-5 Nuggets - even one dealing with their own injury issues - would be a major confidence boost as the Mavs wrap up a grueling road trip.
If Davis is on the floor, they’ve got a shot at pulling off the upset. If not, it’s another chapter in what’s becoming a frustrating saga for a team trying to find its footing.
And that brings us to the bigger question: how much longer can the Mavericks wait for Davis to be consistently available?
It’s a tough spot. On one hand, Davis is a former champion and still a force when healthy.
On the other, his availability has been anything but consistent. Moving on from him isn't as simple as it sounds - not when his trade value is clouded by injury concerns.
Teams may be interested, but the market isn’t exactly booming for a player who’s missed chunks of the season.
That said, there’s always intrigue when a star’s hometown is involved. Could Davis find himself in a Bulls uniform?
One recent trade proposal floated the idea of sending him to Chicago in exchange for Coby White, a couple of rotation players, and two future first-round picks. It’s the kind of deal that would signal a soft reset for Dallas while giving Chicago a marquee name to build around.
But for now, the Mavericks aren’t pulling the plug. Minority owner Mark Cuban, for one, doesn’t seem ready to move on.
The belief - or maybe the hope - is that Davis can still be the difference-maker they envisioned when they made the deal. Whether that’s realistic or not will depend on his ability to stay on the court.
For Dallas, the next step is simple: take care of business in Denver. If Davis suits up and plays like the All-Star he can be, the Mavericks might just head home with a signature win. If not, the questions will only grow louder.