There are no indications that the Mavericks are seriously considering shutting down Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II or Daniel Gafford for the rest of the season, according to Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News. If any or all of the three currently injured big men are able to return while the Mavericks are mathematically in the play-in/postseason hunt, they’ll play, says Townsend.
A recent report suggested that it might be in Dallas’ best interest to preserve those players for the long run due to Kyrie Irving‘s season-ending injury and the team’s unfavorable spot in the standings.
“We know how good we can be when everyone’s healthy,” guard Dante Exum said. “But that’s one of the big things about the NBA: timing. Timing is everything. Runs and staying healthy during the season and going into playoffs, that’s a big part, and it’s something that we’re gonna have to figure out, quick.”
Davis is dealing with an adductor strain and Lively is recovering from a stress fracture. Both players, as we wrote, are on track to make their returns before the end of the season, if that’s the path the organization and players agree to. Gafford is recovering from an MCL sprain. His original six-week recovery timeline would have him back toward the end of March or the beginning of April, but there’s a sense he might be a little further off.
We have more injury notes from around the league:
- Jaren Jackson Jr. appears to be be nearing a return for the Grizzlies, as he was upgraded to questionable for Friday’s game against the Cavaliers, according to Damichael Cole of Memphis Commercial Appeal. The Grizzlies have gone 4-1 without Jackson, but his return will be a welcome one for a team with aspirations of competing for a title. Jackson has been considered week-to-week due to an ankle sprain.
- Domantas Sabonis hasn’t suited up for the Kings since March 1, but he was upgraded to questionable ahead of the team’s Thursday game against the Warriors, according to Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee (Twitter link). Sabonis, who is dealing with a hamstring injury, was ruled out just before the game, tweets Anderson. But the fact that his injury status was upgraded at all is a signal that his return should be just around the corner.
- Lakers center Jaxson Hayes and forward Rui Hachimura left the team’s road trip to return to L.A. alongside LeBron James for health reasons, Dave McMenamin of ESPN tweets. Both Hayes and Hachimura are battling knee injuries. They, along with James, are considered day-to-day, according to McMenamin. We previously wrote about James’ injury here.
- Sixers guard Lonnie Walker IV was diagnosed with a concussion on Thursday morning, according to PHLY Sports’ Kyle Neubeck (Twitter link). Walker hit his head on the court on Wednesday against Toronto and entered the NBA’s concussion protocol. He’ll be evaluated daily moving forward.
I can already see it now. Davis playing in a meaningless play in game just to blow out his knee and miss all of next season.
Captain Clutch is out ………
Its 2Way Bridges to the rescue. The 33 are for the GENIUSES …………. on Q lols
link to x.com
No Bron no Problem ……. OneWay Wonder to the rescue …….. if this isn’t the Poster of HeroBall ….
Bucks —— 45 bench points.
Team Milwaukee — 4 players with 20 or more points
Team Doncic —— OneWay Wonder 45 points
Lakers loose by 20 ……. Classic
I’m probably the only one. I see AD and Sabonis. As the two best PFs in NBA. Yet both almost always. Have to play Center……. Mitch. OG, and either one
Is a classic front line to me. Both ways it would be a great mix. Those three kinds of talent, players.
These clown still trying to string along the mavericks fanbase lol. It’s over, best pick possible time. That mass walkout 3/4 time was funny.
Mavs just need to tank a few seasons… they are the definition of mediocrity in the west when healthy…
Mavs only need Kasparas ….. or Boogie.
Kyrie is the real issue. KD got traded while he was hurt ……..hmmmmm
This is for the Knick genius …….
“ Robinson is obviously on some form of minutes restriction as the team plays it safe upon his ramp back up to full strength, but he’s making the most of his limited time: according to data from KnicksMuse on X, Robinson has posted a plus-21.95 net rating in 70 minutes to date as part of an undeniable shift in the metropolitan defensive landscape.”
Gee I wonder who said MINUTES ??????
Wait till gets to 20-24 a game. Who said it !!!!
Lakers will be fine. Brony can carry the load.
And keep all the players hydrated.