Anthony Davis Calf Strain: Mavs' Latest Setback

Anthony Davis will miss at least seven-to-10 more days while rehabbing a "low grade left calf strain," the Mavericks announced. Davis, out since Oct. 29, had averaged 25 points and 11.8 rebounds through four games but also battled conditioning issues after offseason eye surgery. His absence, with Kyrie Irving still rehabbing an ACL, has forced rookie Cooper Flagg into heavy minutes amid a 3–8 start. Merlin sees a delicate stretch ahead: rushing Davis back risks relapse, and Jason Kidd’s "day-to-day" framing buys time but not answers. Dallas needs Davis’ defense, rebounding and scoring to steady rotations and relieve Flagg; a cautious, measured return gives the best chance to flip the season, while impatience could deepen the damage.