Mavericks Rest Klay Thompson and Anthony Davis as Injuries Mount on Tough Road Stretch

The Dallas Mavericks will continue their difficult road trip without two of their most experienced contributors. The team announced Saturday that veterans Klay Thompson and Anthony Davis have been ruled out for the second leg of their back-to-back, a matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. Their absences add to the team’s growing list of rotation concerns as Dallas searches for stability amid a slow start.

Thompson and Davis, both coming off Friday’s loss to the Lakers, were sidelined due to injury management — a precautionary approach that reflects Dallas’ need to navigate lingering issues for both players. Each logged meaningful minutes the night before, despite being at different points of their respective recovery processes.

The Mavericks, now mired in a three-game losing streak, enter Saturday’s contest at 5–15, one of the weakest records in the Western Conference. The timing of the injuries adds further pressure as the team tries to keep pace in a tightened early-season playoff race.

Saturday’s game marks the third stop of a demanding four-game road trip, which features the Nuggets and Heat shortly after. As fatigue and injuries accumulate, Dallas will rely heavily on its supporting cast to carry a larger workload than expected.

1. Thompson’s Season Struggles and Injury Management

Thompson’s absence is attributed to left knee injury management, a recurring precaution for the 35-year-old guard. He played 20 minutes in Friday’s loss, contributing 10 points and a trio of three-pointers but struggling to generate consistent production throughout the night. The former All-Star is enduring the least productive season of his career statistically. Through 19 games, he is averaging just 10.3 points on 35.2% shooting, including a dip in his trademark long-range efficiency at 32.9% from deep. His reduced workload and fluctuating role reflect a transition phase as he adapts to new responsibilities within Dallas’ evolving roster. Despite the downturn, Thompson’s presence continues to hold strategic value. His spacing, veteran leadership, and ability to stretch defenses remain crucial, especially for a Dallas team battling inconsistency. Kerr’s usage of him Friday suggests the Mavericks are cautiously managing his body while still trying to maximize his contributions. However, the team has opted to rest him on the second night of the back-to-back, prioritizing long-term durability over short-term impact — an approach that has become increasingly common across the league for aging stars with significant injury histories.

2. Davis’ Return and Immediate Setback

Anthony Davis returned to the lineup Friday after missing more than a month with a left calf strain. The outing marked his first game back at Crypto.com Arena since being traded from Los Angeles to Dallas last season, adding an extra layer of significance to his performance. In 28 minutes, Davis delivered 12 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three blocks on efficient 6-for-10 shooting. His presence provided a rare interior anchor for the Mavericks, whose frontcourt depth has been tested early in the season. Despite the encouraging night, the team opted to rest him Saturday for left calf injury management, ensuring that his long-term recovery remains on track. Given the nature of calf injuries — often slow to fully heal and prone to re-aggravation — Dallas is expected to continue managing his workload carefully. Even in limited action this year, Davis has been highly productive, averaging 19.3 points and 9.3 rebounds across six games. His impact on both ends of the floor remains significant, making his availability a key factor in Dallas’ hopes of reversing its early-season slide.

3. Mavericks Searching for Answers Amid Difficult Stretch

The Mavericks’ struggles extend beyond individual injuries. Their 5–15 start places them near the bottom of the Western Conference, and recent losses have highlighted issues with depth, defensive cohesion, and consistency in scoring outside their primary creators. Saturday’s matchup against the Clippers comes at an inopportune moment, with Dallas attempting to halt a three-game skid while operating shorthanded. The absence of two veterans forces the bench to shoulder a larger burden, particularly in areas where experience and physicality are needed. The road trip intensifies from here. After facing the Clippers, Dallas heads to Denver to meet the 13–5 Nuggets, one of the league’s most balanced and disciplined teams. The Mavericks will then return home briefly to host Miami, another top-tier opponent known for its defensive rigor. Given the schedule ahead and the uncertainty surrounding player availability, Dallas faces a challenging stretch that could shape the trajectory of the season. Their ability to adapt — both strategically and within the rotation — will determine whether they can regain footing before the standings tighten further.