Davis is progressing well from his calf strain, but ownership approval dictates his return, ensuring he's fully healthy to avoid setbacks.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks are preparing for an extended stretch without Anthony Davis as the superstar big man continues rehabbing a left calf strain that has sidelined him for more than two weeks.
Davis, who has missed eight consecutive games and will miss a ninth on Sunday against Portland, was recently re-evaluated and deemed to be “progressing well,” per a team announcement. The update marked the most encouraging news since he suffered the injury on Oct. 29 against the Indiana Pacers, when he logged just seven minutes before being ruled out for the night.
The organization emphasized that Davis will be re-assessed again in seven to ten days, but the timeline remains fluid. While his recovery is moving in the right direction, team sources say Davis will not return to competition until ownership signs off on his availability — a safeguard implemented to avoid the possibility of re-aggravation.
The team’s posture comes after Davis nearly returned earlier this month. He aimed to suit up on Nov. 8 against the Washington Wizards before internal conversations led to him being downgraded to out. In the days that followed, he appeared on the injury report as questionable for four straight games before being listed as doubtful ahead of Sunday’s matchup.
The Mavericks have struggled mightily in his absence. Since officially acquiring Davis on Feb. 2, Dallas is 8–24 in games he has not played and 8–6 when he’s available. In his 14 games with the franchise, Davis has averaged 20.3 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists — production that has stabilized both ends of the floor during his limited stretches on the court.
Head coach Jason Kidd said the extended recovery window is not a reflection of Davis’ desire to play, but rather the organization’s insistence on protecting him from a setback.
In a separate conversation, Kidd outlined Davis’ mindset as he works through the final stages of rehabilitation.
“Looking at his appointment yesterday and seeing that it’s going to take another seven to ten days… most as AD — I’m not trying to speak for him — but he wants to be out there to help us,” Kidd said.
Kidd added that the goal is to use the next stretch productively.
“This gives him seven to ten days to get better, to get stronger, and hopefully in seven to ten days he’s back on the floor,” he said.
Davis’ extended absence has left Dallas searching for interior solutions while its roster battles early-season volatility. His return, whenever clearance arrives, remains the organization’s single most important variable — one that will likely dictate how quickly the Mavericks can stabilize after a difficult start.