Anthony Davis’ time at the Dallas Mavericks thus far has had a familiar feel to it. Davis arrived in Dallas two months ago. However, during this time, he has played a grand total of six games, not enough to even consider the overall trade a success for the Mavericks, considering the outgoing(s). 

However, at the same time, his team has gone 5-1 in the games Anthony Davis has actually been available for. Now, as they prepare to take on the LA Clippers in a crucial two-game series, AD comes into this game off the back of his best performance of the season. In a close 120-118 victory over the Hawks, Davis returned with 34 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks, all category-bests in his limited playing time for Dallas thus far.

Regardless, the Mavericks (38-39) find themselves in a fierce battle for one of the final Western Conference play-in tournament spots. The road here has been anything but smooth. The season has been defined by seismic shifts—most notably the trade of franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic, along with the season-ending knee injury to Kyrie Irving. Yet, in the midst of that turbulence, AD returns at a time when Dallas can still salvage the season.

They take on the 8th placed, top-heavy Clippers, their direct rivals in their bid to rise up the West. However, is Davis the only injury consideration the Mavericks must deal with? Not quite.

Dallas Mavericks injury report ahead of Clippers back-to-back

The Dallas Mavericks are limping toward the postseason with a growing injury list that continues to test their depth. Anthony Davis, who has only played six games since being traded from the Lakers, is listed as questionable with an adductor injury. Though Davis had a dominant showing against Atlanta with 34 points and 15 rebounds, his availability for the back-to-back against the Clippers remains uncertain. Caleb Martin is probable with a hip issue, offering some relief on the wing, while young big man Dereck Lively II is out due to an ankle injury, leaving a gap in the paint.

The backcourt and bench are also depleted. Dante Exum is out with a fractured hand and will be re-evaluated in a few weeks, while rookie Olivier-Maxence Prosper is done for the season following wrist surgery. Most significantly, Kyrie Irving is out for the rest of the year with a torn ACL, a crushing blow for the Mavericks’ offensive firepower. As the team holds on to a play-in spot, they’ll need to rely heavily on Davis and the remaining core to stay afloat.

How can the Mavericks’ starting five look?

Dallas is locked in a three-way race with the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings for the final two play-in spots. For Mavs guard Klay Thompson, the urgency is clear.

“We would like a home (play-in tournament) game, and then we would like to win that and go and play wherever we would like to go. But we all are very desperate to play in the playoffs.”

Considering the urgency, and the injuries, AD can be expected to be pushed into the starting five despite the concern. The Mavericks’ starting five should look like the following:

The competition amongst the top places in the Western Conference means that both teams have plenty to lose. The Clippers are currently 8th in the conference, but only 3 games away from the 3rd placed Denver Nuggets. Regardless, the Mavericks have gone 3-1 in recent games and will be looking to continue this momentum.

The game tips off at 10:30 PM ET on Friday, at Intuit Dome.