Is Anthony Davis playing tonight, November 8, for the Mavericks vs Wizards?

The Dallas Mavericks (2-7) are visiting the Washington Wizards (1-8) tonight at the Capital One Arena in a duel where both teams are desperate for a win. The main uncertainty for the visiting side is whether star big man Anthony Davis will be available for the contest.

According to the latest official NBA injury report, the Mavericks have listed Anthony Davis as questionable (left calf strain) for tonight’s matchup in Washington.

The former Lakers star joins Daniel Gafford, who is also listed as questionable (right ankle sprain). They also join a growing list of unavailable players: Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), Dereck Lively II (right knee sprain), and Dante Exum (right knee injury management) are all out for tonight.

Davis has missed the last four games for the Mavericks, having sustained the calf strain in the team’s last victory (October 29th against the Pacers) where he played only seven minutes. His absence has created a significant problem for Jason Kidd, as the team has not won since the big man was sidelined.

Anthony Davis during his latest NBA game against the Pacers. (Getty Images)

Despite the time missed, Davis remains the leading contributor for the Mavericks, averaging 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game, while shooting 52% from the field.

Mavericks need to reverse early struggles

The season clearly has not begun as the Mavericks had hoped, despite securing rookie Cooper Flagg with the first pick of the NBA Draft. Flagg has delivered strong performances, averaging 14.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.

However, the team has been heavily struck by the injury bug again, suffering initial absences from Daniel Gafford, followed by the injuries to Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II.

Davis’s return is crucial if the Mavericks want to secure a victory, as the team is having difficulty finding offensive rhythm. The big man provides a vital anchor in the paint that can boost both the attack and the defense for Jason Kidd’s side.

Gianni Taina is a bilingual journalist, fluent in English and Spanish, with a specialization in soccer, the NBA, and tennis. He began his professional career in 2020 with Mundo Deportivo US, where he first established himself as a writer. Throughout his career, Gianni has covered major sports events such as the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tournaments like the French Open. His ability to report on real-time events and perform well under pressure has made him a valuable member of a top-tier team of journalists. In 2024, he joined Bolavip US, where he now covers a wide range of sports, including European soccer, MLS, and the NBA.