Davis Facing Months Out with Hand Injury

Mavericks star Anthony Davis will be out for several weeks following his hand injury as he might need surgery to fix it.

The Dallas Mavericks have confirmed that ten-time All-Star Anthony Davis has suffered ligament damage in his left hand, a major blow that could sideline the big man for the remainder of the season. The injury occurred during Thursday’s road loss to the Utah Jazz while Davis was “defending Lauri Markkanen on a drive to the basket late” in the fourth quarter.

The franchise revealed on Friday that an MRI confirmed the extent of the damage. Davis is currently seeking second opinions to determine his next steps, specifically “whether surgery is necessary.” If the 32-year-old goes under the knife, he could miss several months, effectively ending his campaign. However, “if Davis and the Mavs choose a nonsurgical route, he is expected to miss at least six weeks,” a timeline that still keeps him out past the February 5 trade deadline.

This setback is the latest in a string of durability issues for Davis since his high-profile arrival in Dallas last year. Since joining the team in February 2025 as the “headliner in the return of the controversial Luka Doncic trade,” injuries have limited him to just 29 regular-season appearances. This season alone, he has missed significant time with calf and adductor strains, though he has remained productive when healthy, averaging 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds.

The timing is particularly difficult for the Mavericks, who have been “aggressively exploring the trade market for 32-year-old Davis.” Any potential deal is now complicated by his injury status and his reported desire for a lucrative extension. With Kyrie Irving also sidelined long-term, Dallas faces a steep climb to remain competitive in the Western Conference.