For the first time in nearly a month, the Dallas Mavericks appear close to getting Anthony Davis back on the court. Before Monday’s matchup against the Miami Heat, head coach Jason Kidd said the team anticipates Davis practicing on Wednesday — the clearest sign yet that the star big man is approaching the final stages of recovery from a left calf strain that has sidelined him for 13 consecutive games.
Kidd, speaking pregame, described Davis’ progress as steady and encouraging.
Before Monday’s game, Kidd was asked where Davis stands in his recovery process. He explained why the team remains cautious while expressing optimism about the upcoming week.
“I think he continues to get better. He’s working to get back, and we anticipate him practicing this week,” Kidd said. “Anytime with a calf strain, you have to be cautious. But he’s worked extremely hard. The next step is practice on Wednesday, and we’ll see what happens after that.”
Davis last appeared on Oct. 29 against the Indiana Pacers, playing seven minutes before exiting with the injury. He scored four points before being ruled out for the night and has not returned since. In his five appearances this season, Davis has averaged 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, a level of production Dallas has missed during his absence.
Monday’s game in Miami marks his 14th consecutive absence.
Jason Kidd Discusses Pace, Soft-Tissue Injuries, and NBA Trends
Davis’ recovery has unfolded during a stretch in which soft-tissue injuries have become one of the league’s most prominent storylines. Kidd was asked about comments from Warriors coach Steve Kerr regarding the relationship between pace and injury frequency. In response, Kidd pointed toward training habits across the league.
“Everyone has a right to their opinion. It could be the way we train, because when you go from zero to it, that can put stress on the body. Sometimes you might have to look at the way you train — the one-on-oh or the one-on-one versus the chair does not help when it becomes game-like,” Kidd said.
He continued, noting that preparation often fails to match the speed at which modern NBA games are played.
“Can we look at conditioning? We talk about the food being better, travel being better, everything being better. But maybe it’s just the way we work out. Play more five-on-five and three-on-three instead of one-on-oh. That could be it. They’re bigger, they’re faster. But there’s no way you’re going to shorten the season — more players would have to give back money. So first you look at the way you train, the way you eat, the way you take care of your body.”
Across the NBA, stars such as Ja Morant, Victor Wembanyama, Trae Young, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Paolo Banchero, Jalen Williams, Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, and Tyrese Halliburton have missed extended time, underscoring the widespread nature of the issue.
Dallas Mavericks’ Injury Picture Still Crowded
Even with Davis nearing a return, the Mavericks remain heavily shorthanded.
Dereck Lively II remains out, now listed with right foot injury management instead of the right knee issue that previously sidelined him — a notable development given his offseason bone-spur procedure. The Mavericks will monitor the updated designation closely.
In the backcourt, Brandon Williams’ availability remains uncertain due to low-back tightness. He has averaged 10.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 16 games, including 18 points against Memphis on Saturday. Losing him would further strain a rotation already thinned by injuries to Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery) and Danté Exum (right knee injury management).
There was one bright spot: D’Angelo Russell is no longer on the injury report, and rookie guard Ryan Nembhard has been upgraded to questionable.
Dallas has played 11 games in 18 days entering Monday — a stretch defined by fatigue, reshuffled rotations, and overextended guards.
Veteran Klay Thompson summed up the team’s feelings after Saturday’s loss.
“We’ll be healthy one day,” Thompson said. “And I’m very excited for that day, whenever that is.”
Jason Kidd Previews Miami Heat’s Pace and Personnel
With or without Davis, Dallas’ defense faced a demanding test Monday night against the NBA’s fastest-paced offense. Kidd emphasized that Miami’s downhill pressure makes transition defense and ball containment critical.
“They’re going to come at you. Everyone’s live. Their play is to drive and put pressure on the defense in transition,” Kidd said. “Their pace is number one, and they’re scoring at a high rate. So for us, our half-court and transition defense will be tested tonight.”
Kidd also highlighted Miami’s collective aggression on drives.
“They all drive it. They all have the green light to drive the ball and score, and they do it at a high rate for 48 minutes,” Kidd said.
Asked about facing Miami’s high-energy guard lineup for the first time this season, Kidd acknowledged the challenge.
“He’s one of the best in this league,” Kidd said of Herro. “For him to come back tonight puts a lot of pressure on the defense — his ability to shoot the three, play off the dribble, and run and play at their pace. He causes a big problem.”
Looking Ahead
Wednesday’s practice will mark a pivotal moment for the Mavericks’ season. If Davis progresses without setback, Dallas could soon regain the interior anchor it has lacked over the last three weeks.
Until then, Kidd and the Mavericks remain in a familiar holding pattern — adjusting nightly, shuffling lineups, and waiting for the day their roster finally stabilizes.
The Mavericks will have three full days until they return to play again after Monday’s game in Miami. The next possible opportunity for Davis to play would be Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers.
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