Anthony Davis is currently working toward his recovery from a left adductor strain by practicing with the Texas Legends, the Dallas Mavericks' G-League affiliate, as of March 17, 2025. Davis, who was acquired by the Mavericks on February 1, made his debut with his new team on February 8 against the Houston Rockets. During his debut, he impressed the crowd, putting up 26 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists. Unfortunately, his performance was cut short when he left the game late in the third quarter after experiencing tightness near his groin and quadriceps.
Since then, Davis has not played due to the adductor strain, which has added to the injury woes for the Mavericks this season. This injury has sent shockwaves through Dallas, as the team has lost 10 of their last 12 games. The pressure is mounting, with the playoffs just around the corner, raising concerns about the team’s viability without its new star player.
For the Mavericks, acquiring Davis was considered a bold move, involving the controversial trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. No one could have predicted the immediate fallout, leaving fans shaken and speculating about the decision's long-term effects. The Mavericks are grappling not only with the loss of their former franchise player but also with the cascading issues of injuries affecting their roster depth.
Davis's hopeful return promises to shift the dynamics for the team, but it also carries substantial risk—one of several focal points of conversation for analysts and fans alike. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the imminent question on everyone's mind is whether Dallas should even allow Davis to return this season. This situation is complicated by the fact Davis's eagerness to play puts him at risk of re-injury, which might deepen his existing health issues.
Tim MacMahon from ESPN has clarified the current status of Davis's recovery, noting, "The expectation is Anthony Davis will not need surgery to treat this adductor strain. It’s a rest and rehab type of situation." This ‘rest and rehab’ approach has been the team’s focus as they navigate through the murky waters of player health and performance.
Surely, the stakes are high—not only for the Mavericks’ current season but also for the future of Anthony Davis with the team. Davis has had his fair share of injury woes throughout his career, and any slip-ups could jeopardize his offseason training, which is particularly concerning since this is his first season with Dallas. Not having a fully productive offseason could be detrimental to both Davis personally and the Mavericks’ long-term strategy.
If he does get the go-ahead to return, his presence on the court could ignite some much-needed momentum for Dallas as they face the Indiana Pacers on March 19 and the Detroit Pistons on March 21. There's tangible optimism among the Mavericks' staff and fans about recovering lost ground this late in the season, yet many remain skeptical.
One school of thought asserts risking Davis's health for the sake of winning games is not worth it. Davis's involvement might lead to temporary victories but could compromise both his health and the team’s future, especially as missing out on training could mean more injuries down the line.
Currently, Dallas is trying to preserve the roster's dwindling numbers, having often played with as few as eight available players due to the injury epidemic sweeping through their lineup. The pressure continues to mount on the organization as they balance the immediate desire to win against the longer-term health of their players. The next few days will be pivotal.
Fans may find themselves caught between excitement over the prospect of Davis's return and anxiety about the potential fallout from rushing him back onto the court. The upcoming games are not just about wins but also about preserving the futures of players and ensuring the Mavericks can build back toward becoming competitive next season.
Nonetheless, Davis is intent on making it back to competitive play as quickly as possible. Entering this phase where he practices with the Texas Legends demonstrates his commitment to recovery and readiness for action. How the Mavericks move forward with Davis remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt both management and fans alike are keeping their fingers crossed for positive news.
