The Dallas Mavericks face a harsh reality. Their star big man, Anthony Davis, is sidelined indefinitely. He sustained ligament damage in his left hand. This blow comes after a close loss to the Utah Jazz. Without Anthony Davis, Dallas’ already rocky season becomes even tougher. And it throws a wrench into any trade deadline plans.
Davis went down late in Thursday’s 116-114 defeat to the Jazz. He finished with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists. But then, defending Lauri Markkanen, he favored his left hand. He didn’t return. Fans quickly reacted on social media, bringing back the “Day-to-Davis” nickname. This injury just adds to a frustrating pattern. He’s only played 20 games this season. Last year, it was just nine.
Davis’s Latest Setback Rocks Dallas
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Davis has ligament damage in his left hand. Surgery could be necessary. That means he might miss months. A second opinion will guide the decision. But the timing is bad. He has a real chance of missing the February 5 NBA trade deadline. This is a major blow for the Mavericks.
The team acquired Davis in a blockbuster deal for Luka Dončić. He was meant to be their frontcourt anchor. But injuries have plagued his Dallas tenure. He has a history of these issues. This season, he was productive when on the floor. His availability remains the main concern. Now, this hand injury just adds to the frustration. Dallas lost their 24th game against Utah. They are really struggling to find consistency.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd addressed the injury after the game. “He hurt his left hand,” Kidd said. “That’s all we have.” The team remained in Salt Lake City for further evaluation. And his absence leaves a huge hole.
Mavericks’ Season Takes Another Hit
Dallas has other players out too. P.J. Washington is dealing with an ankle injury. Kyrie Irving has a knee injury, not expected back until February 12. Dereck Lively II is out for the season. This roster is thin. And it puts immense pressure on rookie Cooper Flagg.
Flagg, just 19, almost had a triple-double against Utah. He scored 26 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out 8 assists. But it wasn’t enough. The Jazz took advantage of a Mavs team playing without its full strength. Klay Thompson, who scored 23 points off the bench, spoke about Davis’s impact. “That’s a go-to guy,” Thompson said. “Especially toward the end of games.” Other players will need to step up. Naji Marshall, Thompson, and Caleb Martin could see more minutes. But replacing Davis is a tall order.
The Mavericks are 4-13 on the road this season. They have struggled in clutch situations, with a 12-17 record in games decided by five points or less. Flagg himself acknowledged the team’s struggles. “I feel like we just went cold down the stretch,” he said after the Jazz loss. And he’s right. They need to find ways to close out games, even with a depleted roster.
Trade Deadline Chaos and Future Outlook
The NBA trade deadline is February 5. Davis had been a prime target. Teams needing a two-way big man were eyeing him. But this injury changes everything. Shams Charania’s reporting on ESPN made it clear this is a brutal blow. The uncertainty around surgery and his return makes him a difficult asset to move. Will teams still offer substantial assets?
The Dallas front office is open to offers if they make sense. But Davis’s injury history adds anxiety for potential trade partners. The team fired GM Nico Harrison in November. Dallas is in a rebuild. Davis’s age, he’s 32, and salary might not fit their long-term plans. The USA Today reported on Davis’s expected timeline. He’ll likely be sidelined past the deadline. This reduces clarity on his market significantly.
The Mavericks need young talent to build around Cooper Flagg. They control their first-round pick until 2031. This injury forces them to rethink their entire strategy. It’s a setback that hurts both their present and their future flexibility. The team needs to decide if they push for a playoff spot or fully embrace the rebuild. And that decision is much harder without Anthony Davis.
Govind Singh 
Annsly Raena