With the Dallas Mavericks riding a three-game losing streak heading into Thursday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers, the team is expected to receive a boost in the Anthony Davis department.
The team’s leading scorer has appeared in just 16 games this season due to various injuries, with a right abductor issue preventing him from playing in the team’s two most recent games. When healthy, the 32-year-old big man has averaged 20.5 points, 10.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks, all of which are team highs.
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As Dallas prepares to take on Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers, head coach Jason Kidd revealed on Wednesday that Davis will be making his return.
“We always want him to play,” Kidd said. “We’re happy to have him back. We’ll see the 30 to 34 minutes that he’ll be able to play. We get him some touches, but again, both offensively and defensively we need him…”
Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) looks to hand the ball off to guard D’Angelo Russell (5) during the second quarter against the Toronto Raptors at the American Airlines Center.Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
While Dallas fans are likely exhausted from discussing the trade that saw Nico Harrison send off Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Davis, the constant injuries have been a significant issue throughout Davis’ career, especially during his tenure as a Maverick.
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Davis has played in just 25 games for Dallas since being traded to the team last February. When he is healthy, he still looks like an All-Star caliber player, but him being healthy continues to be a rarity.
Thursday’s game tips at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBA TV.
Related: Chances of Warriors Trading Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green Revealed
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 31, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.