Anthony Davis Return Timeline Injury Update: Will He Play vs 76ers? Anthony Davis remains available for the Dallas Mavericks as they prepare to face the Philadelphia 76ers on

Saturday, December 21. The latest injury update suggests the Mavericks star is expected to play despite dealing with an illness.

The Anthony Davis return timeline has been closely monitored after injuries disrupted his early season. With Dallas trying to stabilize its rotation, Davis’ status carries major implications for the matchup in Philadelphia.

Anthony Davis Return Timeline Injury Update for 76ers Game

Anthony Davis’ second season with the Mavericks has been defined by setbacks. A calf strain limited him to just one appearance in November after he played the first five games of the 2025–26 NBA season. The injury stalled his rhythm and forced Dallas to adjust its frontcourt plans.

The return timeline shifted in late November. Davis made his comeback against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 28. Since then, he has appeared in six of the Mavericks’ last seven games. His availability has coincided with a noticeable improvement in team performance.

A new concern emerged on December 18 during a road game against the Detroit Pistons. Davis battled through an illness but still logged 37 minutes. He finished with 15 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks, showing no limitation related to his earlier calf injury.

After the game, Davis confirmed that the calf issue is no longer a problem. He acknowledged feeling sick during the contest but emphasized his desire to stay on the floor and help the team compete.

As of Saturday afternoon, Davis participated in the Mavericks’ shootaround in Philadelphia. That session strongly indicates he is on track to play against the 76ers at 7 p.m. ET. The team has not listed him as inactive based on the most recent update.

In 12 games this season, Davis is averaging 19.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game. He is shooting 50.5 percent from the field and continues to anchor Dallas on both ends of the court.

The Mavericks are 7–5 in games Davis has played. Without him, the team struggled badly in November, finishing the month with a 4–12 record. His presence has been a stabilizing factor during a challenging stretch.

How Davis’ Availability Shapes the Mavericks’ Season

Dallas enters the weekend with an 11–17 record and sits 11th in the Western Conference standings. They are tied with the Utah Jazz and remain behind the Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors. Every win matters as the season approaches its midpoint.

Since Davis returned, the Mavericks have gone 5–2 in December. His impact extends beyond scoring. He provides rim protection, rebounding, and leadership to a roster still searching for consistency.

The Anthony Davis return timeline now appears to be moving in a positive direction. While the illness bears monitoring, it has not sidelined him so far. Barring a late setback, Dallas expects its star forward to be available against Philadelphia.

The Anthony Davis injury update remains encouraging. His continued presence could determine whether the Mavericks stay within reach of the postseason race during a critical road stretch.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is Anthony Davis playing against the 76ers tonight?

Anthony Davis is expected to play against the Philadelphia 76ers. He took part in shootaround and has not been ruled out.

Q2: What injury has affected Anthony Davis this season?

Davis missed most of November with a calf strain. He recently dealt with an illness but confirmed the calf is no longer an issue.

Q3: When did Anthony Davis return from his calf injury?

Davis returned to action on November 28 against the Los Angeles Lakers. He has played in most games since then.

Q4: How have the Mavericks performed with Anthony Davis?

Dallas is 7–5 in games Davis has played. The team struggled without him during his November absence.

Q5: Who do the Mavericks play next after the 76ers?

The Mavericks face the New Orleans Pelicans on December 22. The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.