Feb 27, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis laughs during a timeout against the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Mavericks receive positive injury updates on Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford

Originally posted on Dallas Mavericks on SI
By Keenan Womack | Last updated Mar 7, 2025 1:00 PM ET

The Mavericks have received a positive update on several injured players in their front court, including Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford. Dallas has struggled mightily in the paint since losing all three of their options at the five, but may be returning some of these players sooner rather than later.

Davis has been cleared for more on-court activity. The primary asset received in the Luka Doncic trade with the LA Lakers, Davis has been sidelined since his first game with his new franchise after playing a dominant three quarters. In order for the Mavericks to make any kind of playoff push, Davis is a crucial part of their team's lineup.

The Mavericks say that Anthony Davis (left adductor strain) is "improving daily" and has been cleared for more on-court work.

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As for Dereck Lively II, who has been injured for the last 20+ games with a stress fracture in his right ankle, has been making progress according to the source. He as well as Davis will now be evaluated weekly as they attempt to return to the team before they are too far out of playoff contention to make a move towards the top 10 teams in the West.

The third injured center, Daniel Gafford, who has missed the last nine games with a knee sprain in his right leg, will be evaluated in two weeks after showing more progress recently.

The Mavericks are one of the most injured teams in the entire NBA, and will need some level of luck in order to compete for a spot in the Western Conference playoffs. It will require the return of multiple of these starters to maintain their spot as the 10-seed in the West, so these updates are good news.

This article first appeared on Dallas Mavericks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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