Mavericks’ Anthony Davis Set to Make Long-Awaited Return Tonight

DALLAS, Texas — Anthony Davis is poised to make his long-awaited return to the court tonight, March 24, against the Brooklyn Nets after being sidelined for six weeks with a left adductor strain. The Dallas Mavericks announced his return, a significant boost for the team as they battle for a spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament.

Since Davis’s injury on February 8, he has missed 11 games, which became even more critical as the Mavericks contend for the last playoff position. Head coach Jason Kidd confirmed that Davis will have minutes restrictions, stating, “We’d like to have a healthy, positive experience on the minute restriction he’ll be on.” Kidd emphasized the importance of balancing Davis’s return with his health and safety.

A potential starter for the Mavericks, Davis’s presence is expected to inject new energy into a team that has struggled in his absence. Despite the challenges, Davis pushed hard in his rehabilitation, demonstrating his commitment to returning before the season wraps up. “I think you’ve got to commend him for working to get back,” Kidd said. “His character for working to get back with 12 games left just shows how much he cares about what he wants to do.”

The Mavericks recently experienced another setback after star guard Kyrie Irving was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury. With injuries piling up, Davis’s return is not just timely; it’s critical for a team that has lost its way in the past few weeks. Dallas’s current record of 34-37 places them in a tight race with the Phoenix Suns for the 10th seed.

In his debut for the Mavericks against the Houston Rockets, Davis made a significant impact with 26 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists before exiting the game due to injury. This season, he has been averaging 25.7 points and 12.0 rebounds, making him only the third NBA player to achieve such stats before changing teams midseason.

Davis first sustained his injury in the third quarter of his first game with the Mavericks, just days after a seismic trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Clippers — a move that left many Mavericks fans enraged. As the team prepares for a four-game road trip, which includes games against the New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, and Chicago Bulls, Davis’s return comes as a relief for both fans and players alike.

As Davis takes the floor tonight in Brooklyn, the Mavericks, who have endured a tough season filled with injuries, hope that his return will reignite their playoff aspirations. The match against the Nets will provide a much-needed opportunity for the team to prove their resilience.