Dallas Mavericks star big man Anthony Davis has sustained a minor groin strain and is expected to miss a few games, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Friday.
Anthony Davis Will Be Working Out Daily
Although there is no timetable for his return, Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News reported that Davis will be working out daily in an effort to play within the next few days.
Davis suffered the injury with 8:50 left in the second quarter of the Mavericks’ 126-116 Christmas Day loss to the Golden State Warriors. He suddenly stopped while running on a fast break and appeared to be grabbing at his groin.
While grimacing in pain, Davis walked straight to the Dallas bench and was assessed by the team’s training staff during the timeout before limping to the locker room.
Mavericks star Anthony Davis has sustained a minor groin strain and is likely to miss a few games, sources tell ESPN. Davis, a significant trade target, will be evaluated daily. Mavs have taken a cautious approach with injuries, specifically for Davis, and will continue to do so. https://t.co/eMBq8x3XNm
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 26, 2025
Davis, 32, did not return to the bench and was ruled out at the beginning of the second half because of right groin spasms. He finished with three points, three rebounds, and two blocked shots in 11 minutes.
Since arriving in Dallas in February as the centerpiece of the Luka Doncic trade, Davis has dealt with several muscle strains that have limited him to a total of just 25 regular-season games.
Davis, who was recovering from an abdominal strain at the time of the trade, suffered a related adductor strain in his Mavs debut. That injury sidelined him for 18 games.
He also missed 14 games earlier this season due to a left calf strain.
Mavericks Have Struggled Without Davis
After making his return this month, Davis noted that he needs ample time to establish a rhythm with his play. His latest groin injury will only make it more difficult for him to return to form.
“We weren’t really trying to force anything,” Davis said then. “They were kind of double-teaming every time I caught the ball. As soon as I catch it and turn around, it was two guys in my face. I was just trying to make the right play with the pass. The shots [will] come to me when I have an opportunity to score, but the rhythm’s going to get there.”
The Mavericks are 8-8 with Davis in the lineup this season and 4-12 when he does not play.
Through 16 appearances (all starts) this campaign, Davis has averaged 20.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.6 blocks, and 29.9 minutes per outing while shooting 52.1% from the field and 32.3% from deep.
Per Spotrac, Davis is currently in the first year of the three-year, $175.36 million max contract extension he signed with the Lakers in August 2023. His deal includes a $62.78 million player option for 2027-28.
