Anthony Davis left the Dallas Mavericks' Christmas Day game against the Golden State Warriors with right groin spasms, likely sidelining him for a few games. The injury adds to his history of absences, amid ongoing trade rumors for the star forward. The Mavericks fell 126-116, dropping to 12-20 in the Western Conference.
On December 25, 2025, during the Dallas Mavericks' matchup against the Golden State Warriors, forward Anthony Davis exited in the first half after experiencing right-groin spasms. He ran to the sideline at the end of a play and did not return, with the Mavericks ruling him out at halftime. Davis recorded 3 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1 steal before leaving the game, which the Warriors won 126-116.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Davis is expected to miss only a few games due to a minor groin strain. The Mavericks will evaluate him daily. Davis described the issue post-game: “Leg got tight, like a little spasm… Obviously, dealing with the ab strain still, so just tried to get it loose, it wouldn’t really loosen up, let go, but it’s nothing serious. I’m fine.” This marks the 13th groin-related injury in his career, according to injury tracker Jeff Stotts, with an average recovery of about eight days for minor strains.
The 32-year-old Davis has a well-documented injury history, missing 14 or more games in 11 of his 14 NBA seasons. He sat out 14 consecutive games earlier this season with a calf strain and has played in only 16 of 31 games so far, averaging 20.5 points on 52.1% shooting, 10.9 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.6 blocks. Acquired by the Mavericks in a midseason trade last year that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, Davis missed 24 of 33 possible games last season due to injuries.
As a potential trade target six weeks before the February 5 deadline, interest has come from the Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks, and Detroit Pistons, though the Mavericks are seeking a high return. Davis's contract—$54.1 million this season, $58.5 million next, plus a $62.8 million player option—complicates deals, especially given his availability concerns. The Mavericks, now 12-20 and 11th in the West, drafted Cooper Flagg No. 1 in 2025 and aim to build around younger talent.
