When the Detroit Pistons arrive at American Airlines Arena on Thursday for a matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, Anthony Davis puts the game plan on hold.
The center was absent from Monday’s 140-133 overtime loss to the Utah Jazz due to a left calf bruise. His last game in the lineup was the previous contest, a 119-111 victory against the Brooklyn Nets, where Davis led the team with a double-double, scoring 24 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.
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Coach Jason Kidd confirmed that Davis will remain listed as questionable, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
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Dallas plans to take a cautious approach before clearing Davis’ return. Earlier this season, he missed 14 games with the same calf injury.
Kidd also noted that Davis participated in practice Wednesday alongside D’Angelo Russell (illness) and Brandon Williams (Achilles). The team will likely wait until Thursday morning’s shootaround to make a final decision on whether Davis will face the Pistons.
With Anthony Davis out of the lineup, the Mavericks were forced to start Daniel Gafford at center against the Jazz. He finished with two points, two rebounds and two assists in 13 minutes. It marked his first appearance after missing three games with an ankle injury. If Davis sits out again, he will get the nod as the starting center.
Dallas is currently 10-17 through the first 27 games of the season, good enough to challenge for a play-in spot. They are 0.5 games behind the Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers, who are in 10th and 11th place respectively.
After the Pistons, the Mavs will face the Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans, Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors in the run-up to the frenetic Christmas period, when they will need Davis’ presence even more.
The five-time All-Star is averaging 20.0 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 11 games this season.
How to watch Detroit Pistons vs Dallas Mavericks?
The non-conference matchup between the Pistons and Mavericks will air on FDSDET, KFAA and WFAA, with kickoff scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. This marks the second and final meeting between the teams, with Detroit winning the previous clash 122-110.
Edited by Mervin LR.
