Davis sidelined with calf strain, impacting Mavericks' depleted frontcourt before Mexico City showdown. His return remains uncertain.
MEXICO CITY — Dallas Mavericks forward/center Anthony Davis will miss the team’s next two games after an MRI revealed a low-grade left calf strain, the team announced Friday.
Davis sustained the injury in the first quarter of Wednesday’s 107-105 win over the Indiana Pacers and was held out for the remainder of the game for precautionary reasons. The 32-year-old star played just seven minutes before exiting. He will be re-evaluated after the Mavericks complete their two-game road trip, which ends in Houston.
Head coach Jason Kidd said before practice at Arena Ciudad de México that Davis’ availability remains uncertain beyond the trip.
“A.D. is day-to-day,” Kidd said, declining to provide additional details about the injury.
Davis, who traveled with the team and participated in light on-court work Friday, said he has already noticed improvement.
“It is going to be day to day,” Davis said. “But I feel better that is for sure.”
Through five games this season, Davis has averaged 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists, anchoring Dallas’ frontcourt on both ends. His absence leaves the Mavericks shorthanded heading into Saturday’s NBA Mexico City Game 2025 against the Detroit Pistons.
Dallas is already without two key big men — Dereck Lively II, who has missed the last two games with a sprained knee, and Daniel Gafford, who has remained sidelined after an ankle injury suffered on the first day of training camp.
Saturday’s game marks the 15th regular-season NBA contest played in Mexico City and the fourth for the Mavericks, the most of any franchise. The Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic have each appeared three times.
Kidd reflected on the organization’s longstanding connection to Mexico and its fans.
“It is something incredible for the Mavs organization to come so many times,” Kidd said. “It shows how important Mexico is, and it is great to bring enjoyment to the fans.”
Kidd, who played in one of those games during the 2016 season when Dallas defeated Phoenix, said the atmosphere is one of the most unique experiences in the league.
“It is exciting to be back,” Kidd said. “The Mexican fans really care about basketball, and that’s why it is important to be here. I don’t remember much of the game, just the lack of oxygen — you get tired really quick in here.”
At 7,349 feet above sea level — more than 2,000 feet higher than Denver — Mexico City presents one of the NBA’s most challenging environments.
The Mavericks will face the Pistons on Saturday before closing the trip against the Houston Rockets. Davis will remain with the team and be re-evaluated upon their return to Dallas.