Anthony Davis, the Dallas Mavericks’ 32-year-old big man, is nearing a return from a left calf strain that has kept him out since Oct. 29. In five appearances before the injury, he averaged 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists. Dallas has struggled in Davis’s absence, sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference and carrying a 5-14 record through the most recent slate of games. The Mavericks have managed limited consistency while trying to plug the hole left by the former All-Star.
Coach Jason Kidd said the next step for Davis is a practice session on Wednesday and that if the forward “responds well” he will be in contention to return Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd says Anthony Davis is in contention to make his return Friday against the Lakers in Los Angeles if he responds well to today’s practice.
Kidd says Davis will be listed as questionable for Friday after missing the past 14 games with a left calf strain.
Kidd added that Davis will be listed as questionable for the game after missing the past 13-14 contests with the calf issue. The report that Davis was scheduled to practice on Wednesday was first posted by Marc Stein. “He’s working to get back,” Mavs coach Jason Kidd said,” Kidd said. The club has emphasized a cautious approach to his recovery, mindful of the risk of aggravating lower-leg injuries if a player is rushed back too soon.
If cleared, Davis would return to a Mavericks roster that has been asked to absorb heavy minutes from role players and to cover defensive and rebounding responsibilities without him.
Dallas faces back-to-back games on the upcoming trip. Friday at the Lakers, followed by a Saturday meeting with the Los Angeles Clippers. The sequence could limit Davis to a managed workload even if he is activated.
