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Anthony Davis' Injury Gives Mavericks Bleak Championship Chances, Says Insider 11 Feb 8, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) and Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Anthony Davis’ Injury Gives Mavericks Bleak Championship Chances, Says Insider

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Rex Villas | Last updated Feb 11, 2025 9:22 AM ET

Dallas Mavericks’ recently acquired big man Anthony Davis suffered an injury in his debut game with his new team. His unfortunate situation poses a significant challenge for the Mavericks, who sent Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers in exchange for the center/power forward. Adding to the Mavericks’ woes is the current status of their other center Dereck Lively II, who has been sidelined since January.

On Monday’s episode of “First Take,” NBA insider Brian Windhorst highlighted Dallas’ issue with center depth. He said that with Davis and Lively out, the Mavs have little room for error in their upcoming game against the Golden State Warriors, who had just acquired Jimmy Butler.

“It’s hard to look at them and say they are going to be fine without Anthony Davis,” Windhorst said. “They are very deep at center … but now two of them are hurt with Dereck Lively being out [for] an extended period with a broken bone.”

The insider added, “If you’re looking without AD, you’re done to some depth issues at that spot. They’ve had such bad luck at the injury position. … they might be able to weather the storm here … they don’t have margin for errors now.”

“It’s hard to look at them and say they are going to be fine without Anthony Davis.”@WindhorstESPN thinks the Mavs don’t have room for error without the All-Star big man. pic.twitter.com/KFAoLsj1qa

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 10, 2025

Anthony Davis is expected to miss multiple weeks due to a left adductor strain he sustained in the Mavericks’ game against the Houston Rockets last Saturday. The Mavs will be indefinitely unable to rely on the former Lakers center who averaged 25.7 points, 12.0 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 2.2 blocks in his first 43 games this season.

Meanwhile, Lively, who was anticipated to play a key part in the team in Davis’ absence, is dealing with a right ankle stress fracture, leaving the roster without a big man to rely on.

Anthony Davis replaced by Kyrie Irving on All-Star roster

Anthony Davis’ injury will cause him to miss multiple weeks of action, including the All-Star weekend festivities. As such, his teammate Kyrie Irving will now take his place in the NBA All-Star roster. This year marks Irving’s ninth time as an All-Star.

Anthony Davis' Injury Gives Mavericks Bleak Championship Chances, Says Insider 12 Feb 8, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) dunks the ball over Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) and center Alperen Sengun (28) during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Chop wood, carry water.

A 9x All-Star from West Orange New Jersey….@KyrieIrving // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/DoxXt44n4A

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) February 10, 2025

Irving has averaged 24.2 points on 47.4/40.4/89.9 shooting splits in 43 games played. He replaces Davis on Team Shaq.

NBA Trade Rumors: Dallas Mavericks Exploring Kevin Durant-Kyrie Irving Reunion 3 Feb 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) controls the ball against Philadelphia 76ers guard Ricky Council IV (14) in the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

NBA commissioner Adam Silver made the decision to replace Davis with Irving. Prior to choosing Davis’ replacement, the commissioner had also decided to select Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young to take the place of injured Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo in the All-Star game.