Injury Woes: Anthony Davis Exits Christmas Day Game With Groin Spasms
Anthony Davis Sidelined Again by Injury
In a disappointing turn of events for the Dallas Mavericks, star player Anthony Davis suffered right groin spasms during the Christmas Day matchup against the Golden State Warriors. The incident occurred with 8:50 remaining in the second quarter when the Mavericks were trailing 40-36. Davis managed to contribute three points, three rebounds, two blocks, and a steal in just 11 minutes before being forced to exit the game.
Following Davis' exit, P.J. Washington took his place on the court, and Max Christie started in his position to kick off the second half. This latest injury adds to a troubling pattern for the 32-year-old big man, who is no stranger to setbacks on the court.
A History of Injuries
Davis had already faced significant challenges this season, missing 14 consecutive games early in the 2025-26 campaign due to a left calf strain sustained during a winning effort against the Indiana Pacers on October 29. He made his return on November 28 but found himself back on the injury report by December 14 due to a left calf contusion that left his playing status 'questionable.'
When on the floor, Davis has posted impressive averages of 21.7 points and 11.4 rebounds while logging 31.2 minutes per game. However, this marks the second consecutive season in which injuries have kept him out of action for extensive periods.
Mavericks' Cautious Approach
After being traded to the Mavericks last February in a blockbuster deal involving Luka Dončić, Davis only participated in nine games due to various injuries, including a left adductor strain during his Dallas debut and an eye injury that required offseason surgery. These issues have also raised concerns about his physical conditioning, as noted by Mavs head coach Jason Kidd.
With Davis' injury history and the Mavericks grappling with early-season struggles, particularly during the absences of both Davis and fellow star Kyrie Irving, it is expected that the team will continue to exercise caution in managing its star’s health moving forward.
