Dallas Mavericks Injury Report: Nervous Anthony Davis Decision and Klay Thompson Worry as 5 Players Listed vs 76ers (Dec. 20)

The Dallas Mavericks are bracing for a few weeks without some key players, even as several others make their comeback from injury. This comes after the Mavericks navigated a grueling stretch of fixtures against the OKC Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Utah Jazz and Detroit Pistons.

With three victories in those matchups, focus now shifts back to the Eastern Conference road, this time against the Philadelphia 76ers. Dallas will be hoping to stack up wins and improve their standing.

The return of Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell has given the squad a significant lift ahead of the hectic festive fixture list, where they will play six games in the next ten days to close out the year. However, some key players are still sidelined.

Kyrie Irving continues to miss time while recovering from ACL surgery. The star guard has the best chance to return next month, although speculation suggests he may suit up toward the end of 2025. However, coach Jason Kidd has not made any decision on his availability.

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“There’s no schedule still,” Kidd said to reporters on Thursday. “He’s in a good place. He’s rehabbing… That’s the only update I can really give you. He’s in a good place and he’s doing everything he’s supposed to.”

Along with Irving, Dereck Lively II and Dante Exum are also sidelined for significant time. Lively is dealing with a season-ending foot injury, while Exum recently underwent wrist surgery and is beginning his recovery.

Klay Thompson is the latest name to be included in the Dallas Mavericks’ injury report. He’s listed as questionable with knee soreness. The four-time NBA champion played 19 minutes off the bench, scoring five points, two assists and one rebound in the 116-114 overtime win over the Pistons.

Meanwhile, Anthony Davis, listed as probably out due to illness. He did not dress for Monday’s 140-133 loss against the Utah Jazz. He was listed as questionable to play against the Pistons but ultimately played 37 minutes, scoring 15 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.

Davis confirmed that he vomited twice during the game but should be good to go for the matchup against Philly barring any late setback. His presence in the paint will be crucial against the likes of Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, who enter the game fresh off a 116-107 win, ending the New York Knicks’ six-game winning streak. This is the second game of a back-to-back for the 76ers.

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How to Watch Dallas Mavericks vs. Philadelphia 76ers

The matchup between the Mavericks and 76ers is scheduled to take place at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, with tipoff slated for 7 p.m ET. This is the first meeting between the two nonconference teams this season. The 76ers won both matchups last season.

The game will be televised locally on KFAA and NBCS. Fans can stream the action live on fuboTV, while international fans can watch via the NBA League Pass.

The 76ers (15-11) are fifth in the East, and the Mavs (11-17) are 11th in the West.

Edited by Mervin LR