Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks finally got back in the win column Sunday, beating Portland 138-133 in overtime. It was a much-needed victory for Dallas, who’s struggled to a 4-10 record this season.
The team has been ice cold lately, winning just 3 of their last 10 games.
But the Mavs’ struggles might have a lot to do with who’s not on the court. NBA insider Shams Charania dropped an update Saturday evening about Anthony Davis, who’s now missed nine straight games with a calf strain.
The news isn’t great for Dallas fans. Charania reports Davis will be sidelined at least another 7-10 days.
Davis Recovery Timeline Extends
Mavericks’ Anthony Davis will miss at least 7 to 10 more days as he rehabs from a left calf strain.
– Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 16, 2025
The Luka Doncic trade keeps looking worse by the day for Dallas.
Last season, former GM Nico Harrison shipped Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick – way less than what Doncic was actually worth.
Since joining the Mavs, Davis has barely seen the court, appearing in just 14 games total between last season and this one.
The 32-year-old forward started the first five games this season before this calf strain sidelined him. What’s concerning is that Davis was originally expected to return around November 8, but that timeline has been repeatedly pushed back.
Anthony Davis will be out at least 7-10 more days while he rehabs his left calf strain, via @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/zEGMLeFCGd
– Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 16, 2025
Team owner Patrick Dumont has personally stepped in to manage the situation.
He recently held a meeting with Davis’s agent and the medical staff, making it crystal clear that Davis won’t be returning until he’s 100% healthy.
There’s real worry behind the scenes. Sources say the team is concerned Davis could rupture his Achilles tendon if he comes back too soon – an injury that would likely end his season and potentially threaten his career.
The Mavs have been down this road before. When Davis first arrived in Dallas at last year’s trade deadline, he was already nursing an abdominal injury. He tried coming back too quickly and made things worse, ultimately missing 18 straight games.
Davis ended up playing just nine games for Dallas last season.
Dumont isn’t taking any chances this time around. He’s personally overseeing Davis’ recovery timeline, even if it means keeping their star sidelined longer than initially hoped.
For a team already struggling to find its footing this season, patience might be their only option.
