The Dallas Mavericks stumbled 116-126 against the Golden State Warriors on Christmas. However, the game result, or Klay Thompson’s homecoming at Chase Center, wasn’t the highlight of the matchup. Instead, it was Anthony Davis. The forward sustained a groin injury with 8:50 minutes left in Q2. Now, the NBA community is curious to know when AD will return.

ESPN’s senior NBA insider Shams Charania reported on Friday: AD to miss a few games with a minor groin strain.

A mild groin issue, commonly labeled grade one, usually settles within one to three weeks when managed smartly. Daily movement, such as walking, often returns in days. However, competitive action demands patience and a step-by-step ramp-up. Conditioning level and discipline with care shape the clock. Therefore, rushing the process raises the danger of a setback.

Healing starts with immediate load reduction, cooling, supportive wrapping, and limb positioning. Once soreness fades, controlled mobility and flexibility enter the plan. Structured rehab rebuilds strength and balance over time.

Meanwhile, solid preparation matters. Proper warm-ups, stronger adductor muscles, and controlled motion patterns help. Complete recovery before intense play remains the safest long-term bet. Moreover, for now, Anthony Davis’s return timeline remains a mystery.

Now, let’s see what happened with the 32-year-old at Chase Center.

Yet another injury trouble for Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis exited the primetime showdown midway through the second quarter after tipping away a Stephen Curry pass. With nine minutes left before halftime and Dallas down 40-36, trouble surfaced. He logged three points, three boards, two rejections, and a takeaway. While chasing a fast break feed, discomfort struck. He limped off, signaled for help, and later received a halftime shutdown due to right groin spasms.

At age 32, Davis has battled recurring soft tissue issues since landing in Dallas in February as the centerpiece of the polarizing Luka Doncic deal. Already managing an abdominal problem, he then picked up an adductor setback in his debut, costing him 18 games. Earlier, a left calf issue erased 14 outings. Consequently, Dallas sits even at 8-8 with him, yet slides to 4-12 without his presence.

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Christmas delivered another cruel pause. The score faded, but Anthony Davis stayed center stage. A tender groin, a cautious outlook, and an uneasy past now collide. Still, optimism lingers as the Dallas Mavericks hold their breath, knowing recovery rewards restraint. Until clarity arrives, uncertainty rules, and patience becomes the loudest voice in the room.