The Dallas Mavericks’ frontcourt depth might be in trouble. Big man Anthony Davis has missed two straight contests with a hand injury that could now keep him out for an extended period of time.
Davis impacts winning despite his decline as a scorer — down from 24.7 to 20.4 PPG year-over-year. The Mavericks are 15-25 overall this year, but are 10-10 when Davis is in the lineup, thanks to his efficient scoring and rim protection.
Below, we’ll provide an Anthony Davis injury update, how long AD is out, and go over what Mavericks players could benefit from his absence in the near future, plus PrizePicks NBA projections and analysis.
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Anthony Davis Injury Update: How Long Is AD Out?
Davis is likely to undergo hand surgery to repair ligament damage in his left hand, which will cause him to miss several months.
AD is now at risk of missing the entire regular season, which ends in April, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Charania reported that AD's season is "essentially over."
However, Davis appears to believe that some misinformation is being spread regarding his condition and wrote an X post on Tuesday, warning people not to listen to lies on social media.
Davis’s recovery timeline isn’t clear, but someone will need to replace his production in the Mavericks frontcourt during the games he misses.
Who Will Fill In While Anthony Davis is Out?
No Mavericks player can top Davis’s averages of 20.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per contest. However, he’s ineligible to lead his team in major statistical categories as a player who has appeared in just 20 games this season.
Scoring, rebounding, and rim protection might not be easy to find for a team that’s already lost Dereck Lively II for the year, but forward P.J. Washington — who is dealing with his own injury and could return next week — has showcased the most potential so far.
The former Charlotte Hornets forward ranks second in points per game (14.7) and total rebounds (223), while leading the Mavericks in total blocks (43).
According to databallr, the Kentucky product is attempting 20.3 true shot attempts per 100 possessions. That places him in the 75th percentile among all players this season.
He can step into a crucial supporting role for rookie Cooper Flagg, and his value is likely to grow while Davis recovers.
The No. 1 pick Flagg will also be forced into a bigger role, already the primary ball-handler for the Mavericks. Flagg already has more 25/5/5 games than all other rookies combined; now he will be relied on even more to keep this team afloat.
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Anthony Davis could miss at least three months with a hand injury and is in danger of not suiting up for the Mavericks again during the regular season. P.J. Washington is the top Dallas forward who could fill in, while No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg will also be forced into a bigger role.
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