Dallas Mavericks big man Anthony Davis suffered a significant injury to his left hand during Thursday’s 116–114 loss at the Utah Jazz. An MRI revealed ligament damage that could keep him sidelined for months, according to multiple reports and league sources.
Davis exited the game late in the fourth quarter after guarding Lauri Markkanen and did not return. He finished with 21 points, 11 rebounds and four assists in 35 minutes before the injury ended his night.
Timeline Uncertain, Trade Market Frozen
ESPN insiders Shams Charania and Tim MacMahon reported the injury Friday afternoon, explaining the extent of his ligament damage and that he’s seeking a second medical opinion to determine if surgery is necessary.
“Depending on second opinion and if surgery is required, Davis could miss a number of months,” Charania wrote Friday.
The Mavericks confirmed the injury but offered no official timetable. If Dallas opts for surgery, the star forward could be out well past the Feb. 5 trade deadline, effectively ending his availability as a trade asset this season. Even without surgery, Davis faces a minimum absence of six weeks.
With his name linked to several trade rumors, Davis’s extended absence now complicates Dallas’s plans. Many teams were watching his health closely, but the latest setback likely ends serious discussions at least until after the deadline.
A Troubling Injury Track Record
Davis, a 10-time All-Star, has battled injuries throughout his Mavericks tenure. He missed 18 of 31 games this season due to calf and groin strains, and was recovering from an abductor strain when Dallas acquired him.
This latest injury arrives at a fragile moment for Dallas, which sits outside the playoff picture and needs consistent health from its stars to climb the Western Conference standings.
As the Mavericks prepare for their next game against the Chicago Bulls, the league will watch closely for updates on Davis’s recovery and what this means for their playoff hopes.
