The Mavericks will likely soon have some pretty challenging decisions to make, because league sources tell me that Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II (right ankle stress fracture) are indeed both progressing toward an in-season return. Whether those reactivations actually happen, of course, remain to be seen. Davis, I’m told, sampled some 2-on-2 play over the weekend for the first time since the adductor injury sidelined him indefinitely and will almost certainly reach the point before season’s end that playing in an NBA game is feasible. All I heard all weekend is that he’s looking pretty good and I certainly saw a lot of smiles from a seemingly upbeat Davis throughout the afternoon.
Source: marcstein.substack.com
Source: marcstein.substack.com
What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
Giannis Antetokounmpo passed Tom Chambers to become No. 50 all-time in scoring.
He also moved ahead of Anthony Davis in rebounds for No. 71. – 3:38 AM
Giannis Antetokounmpo passed Tom Chambers to become No. 50 all-time in scoring.
He also moved ahead of Anthony Davis in rebounds for No. 71. – 3:38 AM


Kendrick Perkins @KendrickPerkins
This is where Lakers miss AD and Max. Speed and Length, Very underrated – 10:23 PM
This is where Lakers miss AD and Max. Speed and Length, Very underrated – 10:23 PM


NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
“It’s very possible that Anthony Davis has played his last game this season for the Mavericks.”
@ShamsCharania provides the latest update on AD’s injury. pic.x.com/aktLBlsbDn – 7:14 PM
“It’s very possible that Anthony Davis has played his last game this season for the Mavericks.”
@ShamsCharania provides the latest update on AD’s injury. pic.x.com/aktLBlsbDn – 7:14 PM

Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
An insane idea I have that feels increasingly plausible by the day:
Nico Harrison out as Mavs GM after the season. Replacement wants to rebuild.
Kings front office desperate to save their jobs. Need an all-in trade.
Kings YOLO their picks/yourh for Anthony Davis. – 6:17 PM
An insane idea I have that feels increasingly plausible by the day:
Nico Harrison out as Mavs GM after the season. Replacement wants to rebuild.
Kings front office desperate to save their jobs. Need an all-in trade.
Kings YOLO their picks/yourh for Anthony Davis. – 6:17 PM
More on this storyline
Durant acknowledged the emotional weight of the transition, noting how deeply fans had connected with Doncic and what his absence means to the community. “Those emotions that they had are real, and they should address those too,” Durant said. “But once you see this team, see [Anthony Davis] out there healthy with Kai, healthy with Klay, Gafford and Lively, you just kind of saw a small glimpse of it when AD’s first half of that first game — what they can be.” -via Dallas Hoops Journal / March 10, 2025
Jorge Sierra: Giannis Antetokounmpo passed Tom Chambers to become No. 50 all-time in scoring. He also moved ahead of Anthony Davis in rebounds for No. 71. -via Bluesky / March 10, 2025
Davis was asked about his actions and choice of words, and acknowledged the disappointment being felt in the fanbase by Luka Doncic’s exit. He explained, while fighting his own corner: “I know the whole the city was down because of the Luka thing. “At the same time, you know, I know who I am as a player. I’m top 75 of all time, and I just want to let the Dallas fans like, ‘hey, I got you, I’m here now.’ “So, like, I know you lost a,superstar Luka, but you also gain a superstar myself.” -via NBA Analysis Network / March 8, 2025
Michael Scotto: Anthony Davis (adductor strain) has been cleared for more dynamic on-court movements. Dereck Lively II (ankle stress fracture) is now doing individual court work. Davis and Lively II will now be evaluated weekly. Daniel Gafford (knee sprain) will be evaluated again in two weeks. -via x.com / March 7, 2025
Marc Stein: Moses Brown is auditioning for the Mavericks today in Dallas and is expected to sign this afternoon if all goes to plan. The Mavericks obviously have a massive frontcourt need with Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford all sidelined. -via x.com / February 19, 2025