Anthony Davis Expected to Miss Mavericks’ First Game Since GM Nico Harrison’s Firing vs. Suns

The Dallas Mavericks return to action Wednesday night under a cloud of uncertainty — both on and off the court. Just a day after firing general manager Nico Harrison, the team will play its first game of the post-Harrison era against the Phoenix Suns. The timing is striking: barely nine months have passed since Harrison’s most controversial move, trading franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers for star forward Anthony Davis.

Now, the spotlight turns to Davis — or rather, his absence. The All-Star big man has missed six straight games with a left calf strain, and his status for Wednesday night’s contest has been the subject of speculation. While initially listed as questionable on the NBA’s injury report, multiple sources, including ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, report that Davis is unlikely to suit up against Phoenix.

Injuries have been a recurring theme in Davis’ career, and his latest setback comes at a time when Dallas is desperate for stability. The Mavericks sit at 3–8, languishing in 14th place in the Western Conference, their season already teetering. Without Davis anchoring the defense and providing interior scoring, the team has struggled to establish rhythm on both ends of the floor.

As the Mavericks navigate the fallout of Harrison’s firing, the combination of front-office turmoil and roster instability paints a complicated picture for a team still searching for its identity early in the season.

1. Davis’ Injury: A Familiar Story

Anthony Davis’ absence has been felt sharply in recent weeks. The former Lakers star, who joined Dallas in a blockbuster summer trade, had been expected to serve as the centerpiece of the Mavericks’ new era. Instead, his calf strain has sidelined him for nearly two weeks, and his recovery timeline remains unclear. Davis’ injury history is well-documented — from knee and back issues to various muscle strains. While his production when healthy remains elite, his durability continues to raise questions about long-term reliability. The Mavericks have been cautious in managing his recovery, hoping to avoid aggravating the injury early in the season. According to reports, Davis has been progressing in workouts but hasn’t yet cleared all necessary benchmarks for game action. With no firm return date set, the team will likely lean on its depth in the frontcourt to weather his absence. For a franchise already under scrutiny following its leadership shake-up, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding its star player adds another layer of tension to a season that has yet to find traction.

2. Injury List Highlights Dallas’ Depth Concerns

The Mavericks’ injury list paints a picture of a team stretched thin. Beyond Davis’ questionable status, rookies Cooper Flagg and Dereck Lively II are also nursing minor injuries. Flagg, who has been a bright spot early in his debut campaign, is dealing with a right thumb sprain but is expected to be available Wednesday. Lively, recovering from a right knee sprain, remains a game-time decision. Meanwhile, veterans Kyrie Irving and Dante Exum are both ruled out. Irving continues to recover from offseason knee surgery, while Exum is sitting out for knee injury management. With multiple starters and rotation players unavailable, head coach Jason Kidd faces limited options — particularly in the frontcourt. On the other side, the Suns’ injury report is considerably lighter. Jalen Green (right hamstring strain) is sidelined, while two-way players Koby Brea and CJ Huntley remain inactive. Phoenix, led by Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, enters the matchup at near full strength, a contrast to Dallas’ injury woes. For the Mavericks, this game will serve as a litmus test of their resilience — a chance to show fight amid adversity and prove that their season is not defined solely by front-office changes or health setbacks.

3. Searching for Direction Amid Uncertainty

Dallas’ early-season struggles have exposed the challenges of a team still adapting to new leadership and an evolving roster. The decision to fire Nico Harrison signals a desire for a reset, but immediate results will likely depend on how quickly the team can get healthy and reestablish chemistry. Without Davis, the Mavericks have leaned more heavily on young players and role contributors, forcing them to develop faster than expected. Jason Kidd’s ability to stabilize the group and extract consistent effort from a depleted lineup will be crucial in keeping Dallas competitive in a crowded Western Conference. The organization’s future hinges on whether Davis can stay healthy enough to justify the franchise-altering trade that brought him to Texas. For now, patience and pragmatism will define the Mavericks’ approach — even as the pressure mounts. Wednesday’s matchup against the Suns won’t just be about one game. It represents a pivotal moment for a franchise trying to navigate transition, injuries, and expectations — all at once.