Anthony Davis Injury Delays Wizards Debut to 2026 27 Season

Anthony Davis will not play again this season as the Wizards expect him to sit out so his hand and groin injuries can fully heal. Washington acquired Davis in an eight-player deal with the Mavericks after he suffered a hand injury on Jan. 8; Dallas said he "won't require surgery" and had a roughly six-week timeline, but the Wizards chose caution given their 14-36 standing. Merlin sees Davis' injury-marred recent seasons, only 31 of 85 games with Dallas, and that the Wizards, who also traded for Trae Young, are building for the future. Davis said he looks forward to meeting the front office and is "encouraged by a lot of things they are doing." Holding him now aims to deliver a healthier 32-year-old for 2026-27, though the oracle watches how he actually returns.