In the tight race for playoff positions in the Western Conference, the Dallas Mavericks find themselves sitting right in the thick of it. With a record of 30-26, they are currently holding onto the No. 8 seed, but with just a five-game difference separating seeds six through eleven, the competition is fierce. To secure their spot and avoid slipping completely out of the play-in tournament, they need to keep adding victories to their tally.
However, the Mavericks are facing a significant challenge on the injury front. All three of their centers—Anthony Davis dealing with an adductor strain, Dereck Lively II suffering from an ankle stress fracture, and Daniel Gafford grappling with a knee strain—are sidelined. The team announced on Thursday that these players will be out for at least two more weeks, with re-evaluations scheduled for March 6.
On the bright side, there are some encouraging updates. The team’s official Twitter account shared that Anthony Davis is progressing well since his left adductor strain against Houston on February 8. He is set for a re-evaluation in two weeks, and more updates will follow as needed. Similarly, Dereck Lively II has been making strides, having been removed from his boot. Head coach Jason Kidd mentioned that March 6 will be the “big evaluation” day for the trio of big men, and more detailed updates will be provided then.
Adding to the optimism is the potential return of P.J. Washington, who is nearing the end of his recovery from a sprained ankle. He missed three games leading up to the All-Star break, but his comeback could be timely as Dallas gears up for the crucial stretch ahead.
Before the All-Star break, the Mavericks were on a strong run, winning four out of five games. They have several promising matchups on the horizon, including Friday’s game against New Orleans and a clash with Charlotte on February 27. Next week, they will hit the road for games against the Warriors and a significant face-off with Luka Doncic and the Lakers on Tuesday. Additionally, they have a challenging home-and-home series against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks on the schedule.
Currently, Dallas holds a three-game lead over the Suns for the No. 11 seed. To maintain their playoff positioning and make a strong push in the remaining games, getting some of their big men back in action is critical. The next few weeks will be pivotal for their postseason aspirations, and the Mavericks are eager to rise to the occasion.
