Will Anthony Davis return for a second straight game against the Wizards?

Dallas Mavericks All-Star Anthony Davis has been ruled out for Friday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies, while his back-to-back status against the Washington Wizards remains unknown. Friday’s game marks Davis’ third straight absence as he recovers from a calf injury amid the Mavericks’ rough 2-6 start.

A reporter asked Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd about Davis status for Saturday’s game against the Wizards, according to Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News.

“I don’t know,” Kidd said of Davis’ chances to play tomorrow. “Kidd says Davis has looked good in practice and is in good spirits,” Townsend reported.

The Mavericks lost to the New Orleans Pelicans 101-99 on Wednesday. It was their third consecutive loss.

Mavericks’ Daniel Gafford discovers approach amid injuries

Mavericks forward Daniel Gafford talked about playing without Anthony Davis and Derek Lively II ahead of facing the Grizzlies. Gafford admits that while it’s nothing new, given Lively II’s right ankle injury last season that forced him to play in just 36 regular-season games, he’s ready for the challenge.

Gafford addressed the Mavericks shorthand front fieldas reported by Brad Townsend.

“Holding down the fort for all the big ones right now until they all come back,” Gafford said. “It’s like deja vu. We were in the same situation last year. I told them, ‘You’re going to need time. You’re going to fix your bodies. Make sure you get back healthy to where you feel like you’re going to be 100 percent, and I’m going to hold that down as much as I can for you until you get back to talking (which is pretty good).’

“I haven’t had a chance to tell AD yet, but I’m sure he understands where we’re at right now with just dead bodies out there. I think he understands that I’m definitely the main guy there. Then, when he comes back, I’m still going to assert my role, assert my dominance there,” Gafford concluded.

Daniel Gafford on “holding down the fort” for Mavs big players. pic.twitter.com/vGIffz6Tov

— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) November 7, 2025

The Pelicans and Mavericks are now tied for the worst record in the Western Conference, as Dallas has lost four of its last five games.