After Dallas Mavericks All-Star Anthony Davis missed his third consecutive game due to a calf injury, his return to the court is imminent, according to the team's latest injury report. The Mavericks are among the worst offenses in the NBA, and Davis' return will undoubtedly help them get back on track, especially on the heels of Wednesday's 101-99 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Mavericks, 2-6, are now tied with the Pelicans for the worst record in the Western Conference. Dallas listed Davis as doubtful on their injury report for Friday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies, which is technically an upgrade to being ruled out for three consecutive games. Anthony Davis will most likely miss Friday's matchup based on his status on the Mavericks' injury report.
However, Davis' return could be sooner rather than later, which is excellent news for the Mavericks, who are dealing with long-term injuries to starters Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II.
Mavericks fall to the NBA's lowest offensive rating
The Mavericks have the worst offensive efficiency in the NBA, trailing the Wizards' 106.4 with an offensive rating of 103.5 after eight games of the 2025-26 regular season. Mavericks GM Nico Harrison, the man behind the most shocking trade in league history, sending Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, promised a title-contending season.
In a competitive Western Conference, led by the defending champion Thunder, optimism set in for Mavericks fans. Considering Davis was entering his first full season with the team, and the Mavs had drafted the top prospect, Cooper Flagg, at No. 1 overall this year, there was reason to look on the bright side, which includes Flagg's future.
Flagg, the NBA's most-anticipated No. 1 pick since Spurs All-Star Victor Wembanyama, reflected on the first weeks of his professional career, per Mavericks reporter Abby Jones.
“For me, it's the most (I've lost), you know, I think ever. So it's obviously a lot different, and you have to adapt to just playing a lot more games,” Flagg said via Abby Jones. “But I wouldn't say anybody's happy. Guys are obviously trying to stay levelheaded and know that we have a lot more games to go and it's still really early. But I mean, speaking personally, I know it's not fun to just keep losing games.”
Flagg is averaging 14.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game this season.
