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The Dallas Mavericks (38-40) are expected to have key reinforcements available as they prepare for their second straight matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers (45-32) on Saturday night at 10:30 p.m. ET.
Anthony Davis (left adductor strain) and Dereck Lively II (right ankle stress fracture) have both been listed as probable for the contest after missing Friday’s 114-91 loss to the Clippers.
Davis last appeared in Wednesday’s 120-118 win over the Atlanta Hawks, delivering a dominant performance with 34 points, 15 rebounds, five blocks, two assists and a steal on 14-of-23 shooting. His game-winning jumper with 3.4 seconds left sealed the Mavericks’ victory.
Lively also returned in the win over Atlanta, making his first appearance since missing 36 games due to a stress fracture in his right ankle. It was his first game since the Mavericks’ January 14 loss to the Denver Nuggets. The second-year center was inserted directly into the starting lineup but played just 16 minutes, finishing with four points, five rebounds, one assist and one block.
Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II injury updates ahead of Clippers matchup
The Mavericks will assess the availability of both Davis and Lively closer to tip-off, but their probable status signals a strong chance of participation. Their return could provide a much-needed boost for a Mavericks team still fighting to remain in postseason contention.
Dallas currently holds the No. 9 seed in the Western Conference standings, just a half-game ahead of the 10th-seeded Sacramento Kings (37-40). A win against the Clippers would help the Mavericks strengthen their position with just four games remaining in the regular season.
Since being acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic on Feb. 2, Davis has appeared in six games. The Mavericks are 5-1 in those contests, with Davis averaging 19.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks per game while shooting 46.1% from the field.
Through 48 games this season, Davis holds season averages of 25 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.1 blocks and 1.2 steals while shooting 52%.
Lively has played in 33 games this season and is averaging nine points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game. He continues to be an efficient finisher around the rim, shooting 70.2% from the field.
Mavericks monitor depth concerns with Jaden Hardy, Daniel Gafford uncertain
In addition to Davis and Lively, the Mavericks have also listed Caleb Martin (right hip strain) and PJ Washington (left ankle sprain) as probable. Daniel Gafford (right knee sprain) is questionable, while Jaden Hardy (right ankle sprain) is listed as doubtful.
Martin played 18 minutes in Friday’s loss to the Clippers, attempting just one shot while contributing a rebound and a steal. Washington added nine points, 10 rebounds, and two assists on 4-of-7 shooting.
Hardy’s potential absence could be a setback for Dallas. He scored 16 points off the bench Friday night and has averaged 11.7 points per game over the past 10 outings, shooting 48.3% from the field and 44.7% from beyond the arc. Hardy recently recorded a season-high 24 points on 8-of-13 shooting.
Following Saturday's rematch in Los Angeles, the Mavericks will return home to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. The game will mark Luka Doncic’s first appearance in Dallas since being traded earlier this season, adding further significance to a pivotal matchup in the late-season playoff race.
