Injured big men Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II inching closer to return, offering hope for the Mavs' depleted frontcourt.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks’ frontcourt is still running thin, but some much-needed relief could soon be on the way.
Head coach Jason Kidd offered positive updates on injured big men Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II before Wednesday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans, signaling both could be nearing a return.
Davis missed his third straight game as he continues to recover from a lower-body injury. Kidd said the All-Star big man has been making steady progress and will continue to be evaluated daily.
“He’s reported that he’s feeling better,” Kidd said.
Davis has averaged 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists in five games this season, providing Dallas with an interior scoring presence and defensive anchor before the injury.
Lively, sidelined for five games with a right knee sprain, has also shown progress. Kidd said the second-year center has resumed on-court participation and could return next week.
“Lively’s been participating on court and he’s doing well,” Kidd said. “He’s hopefully back by next week.”
Lively has averaged 5.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in three games, but his third NBA season has been cut short due to injuries again.
The Mavericks have yet to field a fully healthy frontcourt since Daniel Gafford suffered a sprained right ankle on the first day of training camp. Gafford, who logged 25 minutes in Monday’s loss to the Houston Rockets, has provided an energetic boost since returning from a month-long absence.
Kidd said the team won’t rush Gafford’s workload despite his strong play.
“That’s the key word: press. If you press someone coming off an injury, you can put them in harm’s way,” Kidd said. “These are delicate things. I don’t think we can press anyone with the luck we’ve had with injuries.”
Dallas entered Wednesday’s game short-handed once again, with no new updates available on guards Kyrie Irving and Danté Exum.
The Pelicans arrived with the Western Conference’s worst record at 1-6 but were coming off their first win of the season Tuesday night. Kidd acknowledged the challenge of competing through multiple injuries and minute restrictions but said he believes the Mavericks have enough talent to stay competitive.
“With the minute restrictions and the injuries, it is tough but we believe we have enough talent to win,” Kidd said.
As Dallas continues to navigate early-season adversity, the potential returns of Davis and Lively could mark a turning point for a frontcourt still searching for stability.