Is Anthony Davis Playing Tonight? Mavericks Star Ruled Out vs. Rockets After Calf Strain

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis will not play tonight against the Houston Rockets. The All-Star big man remains sidelined with a low-grade left calf strain suffered last week against the Indiana Pacers.

This marks Davis’ second straight missed game, as the Mavericks continue to battle through multiple injuries early in the 2025–26 NBA season. The team has also ruled out Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II and Dante Exum, leaving Dallas severely short-handed for its road matchup in Houston.

Anthony Davis Injury Update and Team Status

According to team officials, Davis sustained the injury in the first quarter against Indiana and did not return. MRI results later confirmed a mild calf strain. The Mavericks have listed him as “out” and plan to re-evaluate his status after their current road trip.

Before the setback, Davis was averaging 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game on 52 percent shooting. His absence leaves a major void for Dallas, which already ranks last in the league in offensive rating. Without Davis anchoring the paint, the Mavericks will rely on Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington and rookie Cooper Flagg to handle frontcourt duties.

The betting markets reflect the impact of Davis’ absence. Dallas opened as a 12.5-point underdog against a Rockets team that ranks among the league’s top defensive units. Analysts expect the Mavericks to struggle on the boards and in interior scoring.

How the Mavericks Adjust Without Anthony Davis

Head coach Jason Kidd is expected to emphasize smaller lineups and faster tempo to counter Houston’s interior size. P.J. Washington, who averages 7.7 rebounds per game, could see a bigger workload and more rebounding opportunities with both Davis and Lively unavailable.

Beyond tonight’s game, the bigger question is durability. This marks the third time in the past two seasons that Davis has missed consecutive games due to lower-leg issues. The Mavericks acquired him in a blockbuster trade to form a new core around him, but keeping him healthy remains a concern.

For now, Anthony Davis’ return timeline remains uncertain, and Dallas will once again have to adjust without its star frontcourt anchor when they face the Rockets tonight.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is Anthony Davis playing tonight vs. the Rockets?

No. He’s ruled out with a left calf strain and will miss his second straight game.

Q2: What happened to Anthony Davis?

He suffered a low-grade left calf strain during last week’s matchup against the Indiana Pacers and was pulled from the game for precautionary reasons.

Q3: When will Anthony Davis return?

The Mavericks plan to re-evaluate his status after their current road trip. No exact return date has been announced yet.

Q4: How does Anthony Davis’ absence affect betting odds?

With Davis out, the Mavericks are heavy underdogs. His absence significantly affects interior defense, rebounding and scoring balance.

Q5: Who replaces Anthony Davis in the lineup?

Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington and rookie Cooper Flagg are expected to share frontcourt minutes against Houston.