Dallas Mavericks center Anthony Davis left Wednesday night’s home game against the Indiana Pacers after appearing to re-aggravate a lower leg injury just seven minutes into the first quarter. The incident immediately raised alarms among the Mavericks’ bench and home crowd at the American Airlines Center, as Davis limped off the court and was escorted to the locker room.
The Mavericks later announced that Davis was “questionable to return” due to left lower leg soreness, adding to growing concerns about his ongoing Achilles tendinopathy — an issue that had already placed him on the injury report before tipoff.
What Happened During the Game
The injury occurred early in the first quarter when Davis, battling under the rim for a rebound, appeared to plant awkwardly before grabbing the back of his left leg. He slowed down noticeably on the next possession, struggling to move up the floor. Moments later, he limped to the bench and went directly to the locker room.
Reporter Noah Weber of The Smoking Cuban noted that Davis was “slow to get back up the court after Dallas’ last offensive possession and was grabbing for his leg.” Team insider Ron Harrod Jr. added that Davis “looked to step hard on the ground and started limping instantly to the bench.”
Before exiting, Anthony Davis posted a brief stat line of 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal on 2-of-4 shooting in seven minutes. Mavericks PR soon confirmed that the issue was related to left lower leg soreness, and his return status remained uncertain throughout the game.
Background and Ongoing Achilles Concerns
Davis entered the matchup already managing bilateral Achilles tendinopathy, a condition that has troubled him throughout his career. The Mavericks’ medical staff had been monitoring his minutes closely through the first four games of the 2025–26 NBA season.
The 32-year-old big man has been instrumental to Dallas’ system under head coach Jason Kidd, anchoring the defense and providing consistent inside scoring. Through the first four contests of the season, Davis averaged 25.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game — elite numbers that reflect his impact on both ends of the court.
However, injuries have long been a concern for Davis, dating back to his time with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Mavericks acquired him with the hope of stabilizing their frontcourt, but early-season setbacks like Wednesday’s may once again test his durability.
Reactions and Locker Room Response
Though no players addressed the situation immediately postgame, Coach Jason Kidd emphasized before the season that “managing workloads and keeping our core healthy” would be critical. Several analysts on social media highlighted that Davis’s movement had appeared limited in recent outings, suggesting that the team might need to reconsider its rotation strategy.
Former NBA trainer Jeff Stotts tweeted that “Achilles tendinopathy can flare quickly with repeated load — the key is reducing strain, not pushing through early pain.” That assessment adds context to Dallas’ cautious approach, as Davis’s long-term health remains the priority.
Impact on the Mavericks’ Season
The Mavericks began the season 1–3, struggling with rhythm and interior defense. Losing Davis — even for a short stretch — could significantly disrupt the team’s balance. His rim protection and rebounding have been crucial in supporting star guards Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.
Should Davis be sidelined, Dallas will likely lean on Dwight Powell and rookie Dereck Lively II for extended minutes. Offensively, the Mavericks may increase usage for Dončić and Irving in half-court sets, where Davis’s screens and inside presence have been key.
What’s Next for Dallas
The Mavericks are set to face the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night, and an update on Anthony Davis’ injury is expected before then. According to team sources, Davis will undergo further evaluation and imaging tests to determine the severity of the issue. Given his injury history, Dallas is expected to take a conservative approach before clearing him to return. For now, fans and analysts alike await official confirmation regarding his availability and recovery timeline.
