Anthony Davis
Breakdown
Performance
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January 13, 2026
Won't have surgery, out six weeks
A second opinion revealed Davis (finger) won't require surgery, and he'll be re-evaluated in six weeks, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Analysis
Early indications were that Davis would go under the knife and miss multiple months. However, a second opinion was enough to convince Davis to rehab without a procedure. Still, he'll be sidelined for at least six weeks. meaning he likely won't be back until at least early March. Daniel Gafford, Dwight Powell and Moussa Cisse will handle center duties while Davis is sidelined.
January 13, 2026
Likely to miss several months
Davis is likely to undergo surgery to repair ligament damage in his left hand and miss several months, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Analysis
Davis was already set to be out for an extended period of time, and it now sounds like he's facing a multi-month absence. Charania notes that the Mavericks could still move the star big man to a playoff contender ahead of the trade deadline, which could impact his return timetable down the stretch. With Davis sidelined for the foreseeable future, Daniel Gafford (ankle) is lined up as Dallas' top center when available.
January 9, 2026
Could miss months
Davis sustained ligament damage in his left hand and could miss a "number of months," ESPN's Shams Charania reports.
Analysis
This is a brutal blow for Davis and for Dallas, as he was expected to be a prime trade deadline target. But now, depending on a second opinion and a possible need for surgery, Davis may be sidelined through the Feb. 5 trade deadline. More clarity on a timetable will likely be known in the coming days, but Davis' fantasy managers should be bracing for a lengthy absence. His absence will open up plenty of minutes in Dallas, and players such as P.J. Washington (ankle), Naji Marshall, Klay Thompson and Caleb Martin will be candidates to soak up some of them.
January 9, 2026
Fails to return
Davis (hand) didn't return to Thursday's game against the Jazz. He finished the night with 21 points (10-20 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 11 rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block in 35 minutes.
Analysis
The severity of Davis' injury is not yet known after he checked out with 2:08 remaining in the fourth quarter in obvious pain. He can be considered day-to-day until the team has more information to share. Klay Thompson and Caleb Martin would be in line for more playing time if Davis is unable to go Saturday in Chicago.
January 9, 2026
Exits to locker room
Davis went to the locker room during the fourth quarter of Thursday's game against the Jazz with an apparent left hand injury, Noah Weber of TheSmokingCuban.com reports.
Analysis
Davis looked to be in pain down the stretch of the fourth quarter, resulting in a timeout by the Mavs. The big man was then spotted making his way to the locker room. It's unclear if Davis will be able to return for the final few minutes of play.
