Fate strikes Anthony Davis again: hand injury sidelines Mavericks star for several more months
Jan 8, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) goes to the basket against Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) during the first quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
The curse continues for Anthony Davis in Dallas. The Mavericks’ All-Star big man injured his left hand during Thursday night’s loss to the Utah Jazz, and the news is not encouraging. According to ESPN, an MRI performed Friday revealed ligament damage that may require surgery.
Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis has sustained ligament damage in his left hand, sources tell me and @BannedMacMahon. Depending on second opinion and if surgery is required, Davis could miss a number of months. pic.twitter.com/POS4szWjUY
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 9, 2026
Season over for Davis?
The incident occurred with three minutes left in the game, when Davis was defending Lauri Markkanen on a drive to the basket. Contact with the Finnish player caused his left hand to twist, forcing him to leave the game early. « Smart players foul and that’s what we should have done, » the Mavericks coach lamented after the 114-116 loss.
Davis will consult with specialists to determine if surgery is necessary. If not, he should miss at least six weeks of competition. If the surgical option is chosen, the absence could extend over several months, definitively compromising his season.
CRAZY:
Anthony Davis hasn’t even been a Dallas Maverick for 1 full year yet and these are some of the injuries he’s had. Bro is a real life Mr. Glass pic.twitter.com/O7B4WNJsMW
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) January 10, 2026
This new injury adds to an ordeal that has lasted since his arrival in Dallas in February 2025. The former Lakers player has only played 29 games in a Mavericks uniform, between an adductor injury during his debut, a calf problem last November, and now this hand injury.
Trade before deadline compromised
Davis’ new injury comes at the worst possible time for Dallas, which was actively exploring the trade market before the February 5 deadline. According to ESPN, discussions with the Atlanta Hawks, previously mentioned, are no longer happening.
« I don’t understand why they wouldn’t just keep him, » confided an Eastern Conference team executive. « Let things play out, get to the summer when it’s easier to make that kind of move anyway, and see where things stand. »
Davis’ trade value, already uncertain due to his recurring injury problems, risks dropping even further. The 32-year-old player, who earns $58.5 million next season with a player option at $62.8 million in 2027-2028, was posting good statistics this season: averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 20 games.
Currently 11th in the Western Conference with a record of 14 wins and 24 losses, the Mavericks see their slim playoff hopes diminishing even further without their star big man.
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