The Dallas Mavericks will again be short-handed Sunday, with Anthony Davis listed as doubtful as he continues to recover from a left calf strain. Davis has missed eight straight games and has not played since late October.
He was upgraded to questionable ahead of Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers, but Dallas ultimately held him out. The move back to doubtful signals that he may need more time before returning. It is believed Davis will not rejoin the lineup until ownership signs off on the decision.
Davis has appeared in only five games this season. He is averaging 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and is shooting 52.0% from the field.
The Mavericks will also remain without Kyrie Irving and Danté Exum. Irving continues his recovery from left knee surgery, and Exum is out due to right knee injury management. There is no clear timetable for either to return.
Ryan Nembhard is also out with a left knee sprain.
P.J. Washington was active during Friday’s morning shootaround but was downgraded from questionable to out before tipoff. He is now listed as probable for Sunday. Washington has averaged 14.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across 12 games.
Cooper Flagg remains available while managing a right thumb sprain. He is averaging 15.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 13 games.
Turnovers Prove Costly in Double OT Loss
The Mavericks enter Sunday’s matchup coming off a 133–127 double-overtime loss to the Clippers, a game defined by critical turnovers. Dallas committed 22 of them, including several late in regulation and during both overtime periods.
The miscues overshadowed strong moments and allowed James Harden to close with 41 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists. Dallas fell to 3–10 overall and 2–7 at home. The team remains winless against Western Conference opponents at 0–7.
Despite the loss, Dallas saw a key return. Dereck Lively II played for the first time since Oct. 26 after missing nine games with a sprained right knee. Lively has averaged 5.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists in four games this season.
Lively said the extended time away allowed him to reset mentally and lean on his family.
“With my family, my daughter,” he said. “I go home, and her smile. She always looks at me as a father. Sunshine in my life.”
He said imaging delays contributed to the shift from a contusion to a sprain. “It took time to get the results back, so we had to list what it was. We can’t lie to y’all.”
Lively played 17 minutes under a restriction and finished with four points and five rebounds. Because he reached the limit at the end of regulation, he was unavailable for either overtime period.
“This is his first game back, so for our offense’s continuity it’s going to take a little time,” coach Jason Kidd said. “But he does help with his voice, his play-making decisions and giving us second opportunities.”
Naji Marshall filled in for Washington and scored 28 points in his first start. D’Angelo Russell also had 28, but he committed seven turnovers, including two in double overtime.
Dallas Mavericks Look to Regain Stability Against Portland Trail Blazers
The Mavericks close their homestand Sunday before heading to Minnesota on Monday. With Davis doubtful, Irving and Exum still without timetables, and several rotation decisions dependent on availability, Dallas again prepares for another night of shifting pieces and limited continuity.
The team is still looking for its first win against a Western Conference opponent as it tries to stabilize a season defined by injuries and inconsistency.
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