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The Dallas Mavericks have been hit with another major setback as superstar Anthony Davis suffers ligament damage in his left hand. The injury occurred late in Thursday night’s 116-114 road loss to the Utah Jazz (January 8, 2026), when Davis appeared to hyperextend or twist his hand while defending Lauri Markkanen on a drive to the basket. An MRI on Friday confirmed the ligament damage, and Davis is now out indefinitely as he seeks second opinions on whether surgery is required.
Injury Details & Expected Timeline for Anthony Davis
Non-surgical recovery: At least 6 weeks sidelined (potentially returning around mid-February or later).
If surgery is needed: Could miss multiple months — possibly the rest of the regular season — according to reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania and Tim MacMahon.
The Mavericks have officially confirmed the ligament damage and are evaluating all medical options, with no firm return date yet.
This latest issue adds to Davis’ long injury history since arriving in Dallas via the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers. At 32 years old, the 10-time All-Star has been dealing with durability concerns throughout the 2025-26 season.Here are recent action shots of Anthony Davis in his Dallas Mavericks jersey before the injury, showing him dominating on the court:
How the Injury Impacts Mavericks’ Trade Plans & Season Outlook
Anthony Davis was one of the league’s biggest trade candidates heading into the February 5, 2026 NBA trade deadline. Teams like the Atlanta Hawks (post-Trae Young deal) and others had shown interest, but his massive contract and injury track record already complicated things. This hand injury significantly lowers his trade value and makes a move before the deadline highly unlikely.The timing is devastating for Dallas, who are hovering around the play-in picture and were hoping to retool around young pieces while moving on from Davis’ frequent absences. Without him, the Mavericks lose elite defense, rebounding, and scoring inside — forcing them to rely on depth that’s already been tested.
What’s Next for Anthony Davis and the Mavericks?
Davis will consult specialists for a second opinion, and the decision on surgery will shape his (and Dallas’) future. Fans are frustrated with yet another injury in a saga that started with high expectations after the Luka trade. This could mark a turning point — pushing the Mavs toward a rebuild or tanking for high draft picks.Stay tuned for updates on Anthony Davis injury timeline, Mavericks trade rumors 2026, or Anthony Davis hand surgery decision.
Is this the final straw for AD in Dallas? Share your thoughts in the comment section
