Mavericks Share Encouraging Update on Anthony Davis’ Injury
The Dallas Mavericks have given a huge update on Anthony Davis‘ status amid his recovery from a calf strain. The Mavericks have tagged Davis doubtful for their game against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 7.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Davis has been upgraded from out to doubtful due to a low-grade calf strain. Doubtful doesn’t mean that he’ll be available for the Grizzlies game, but it’s an indication of progress. He will likely get listed as out before tip-off, but he’s returning sooner rather than later barring a setback.
In addition to Davis, the Mavericks won’t have young center Dereck Lively II due to a lingering knee injury. Coach Jason Kidd will continue to rely on Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington and Dwight Powell.
Davis suffered the calf injury on October 29 against the Indiana Pacers. He was diagnosed with a low-grade calf strain and was initially ruled out for two games, as per Mavs PR. However, he’s now in danger of missing his fourth consecutive contest.
Davis’ Status Aligns With Kidd’s Update
While Dallas Mavericks fans are going to be disappointed once Anthony Davis gets ruled out again, his doubtful status aligns with what coach Jason Kidd said earlier this week. Kidd told reporters that Davis is considered day-to-day and has ramped up his activities in practice.
“AD is ramping up. He’s going to continue to be evaluated day-to-day. He’s reported that he’s feeling better,” Kidd said, via Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News.
Davis has only played a total of 14 regular season games for the Mavericks since they acquired him from the Los Angeles Lakers in the Luka Doncic trade last February. He suffered an adductor injury on his Mavs debut, keeping him out for 18 games. He finished the regular season strong, but the team failed to make the playoffs.
To make matters worse, Davis suffered an eye injury during the final stretch of the campaign and underwent offseason surgery to correct it. He’s now required to wear protective goggles for the rest of his career, as reported by Christian Clark of The Athletic.
Mavs 0-3 Since Davis’ Injury
The Dallas Mavericks were already struggling at 1-3 before Anthony Davis suffered a calf injury. They managed to pull through and earn a win against the Indiana Pacers without Davis in the final three quarters.
However, the Mavs are now 0-3 since Davis’ diagnosis, losing to the Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans. Coach Jason Kidd finally made an adjustment against the Pelicans by removing Klay Thompson from the starting lineup.
Kidd inserted D’Angelo Russell for his first start of the season at point guard, pushing Cooper Flagg back to his natural position at small forward. The game versus New Orleans was Flagg’s first game at small forward since the coaching staff wanted him to be the team’s point guard while waiting for Kyrie Irving‘s return.
With a 2-6 record, the Mavericks are currently tied with the Pelicans for the worst record in the Western Conference. They are also 2-4 at home during that stretch, so things could get harder once they start playing more games on the road.
Dodgers rumors: Will LA pursue Bo Bichette in free agency after World Series?
The World Series is over, and MLB free agency is around the corner. After the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays, they could become one of the big teams to chase Bo Bichette, if the star shortstop does not extend with Toronto, according to MLB writer Mark Feinsand.
“No list of potential suitors for a major free agent is complete without Los Angeles, which seems to be in the mix for several players every offseason,” Fensand wrote.
The Blue Jays made a qualifying offer to Bichette, hoping he would accept, and extend his time in Toronto. However, if the shortstop does not accept, he could make the transition to MLB free agency and explore his options.
Bichette is coming off a solid regular season, where he hit .311 while slugging 18 home runs and 94 RBIs while scoring 78 runs over 139 games before suffering an injury in September. This caused him to miss the ALDS and ALCS. Then, he had an explosive World Series, hitting .348 with one home run, six RBIs, and two runs with an on-base percentage of .444.
The consensus against the Dodgers chasing Bichette is that they already have a shortstop, as Mookie Betts has played the position for several seasons. However, Feinsand reasoned that it is not something that would necessarily prevent them from going after Bichette.
“Mookie Betts made a smooth transition to shortstop, but the Dodgers can always move him to second base or back to the outfield if they choose to. Second baseman Tommy Edman can also play the outfield, giving the Dodgers a wealth of options if they decide to pursue Bichette,” the baseball insider added.
While the baseball world waits on Bichette's decision, there is the possibility that he can hit free agency. If he does, Bichette could decide that “if you can't beat them, join them” by joining a team that is a consistent contender for the World Series.
Time will tell what Bichette will do, but the Dodgers are always looming, threatening to make a major signing, and Bichette would be another prize on their trophy mantle.
