As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, Dallas Mavericks fans are bracing for potentially troubling news. Not only will the team be without star guard Kyrie Irving at the start of the season, but there’s growing uncertainty surrounding the availability of Anthony Davis for the season opener. With training camps set to begin on September 30, 2025, and the Mavericks’ first game against the San Antonio Spurs scheduled for October 22, 2025, the clock is ticking for Davis to return to full health.
Anthony Davis
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, speaking on the DLLS Dallas Mavericks Podcast on Wednesday, Davis has yet to resume full on-court activities following eye surgery in July to repair a detached retina. “Based on everything I’m told, he’s not fully back on the court yet, he can’t be fully back on the court yet,” Stein reported. “So it’s like, when practices start on September 30th, will AD even be ready to practice at that point? We don’t know that yet.” This uncertainty raises serious questions about whether the 10-time All-Star will be ready for opening night.
Davis’ health concerns don’t end with his eye injury. Last season, he also battled a nagging adductor injury that persisted both before and after his blockbuster trade from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Mavericks. While Davis made an impressive debut for Dallas on February 8, 2025, posting 26 points, 16 rebounds, and three blocks in 31 minutes, he re-aggravated the adductor injury during that game, forcing him to exit early. Despite a late-season return in March, where he played eight games and participated in the play-in games against Sacramento and Memphis, his injury history remains a significant concern.
The potential absence of both Davis and Irving to start the season could put the Mavericks in a precarious position as they aim to rebound from last year’s campaign. The team will likely lean heavily on its supporting cast, including rookie standout Cooper Flagg, whose response to this challenge will be closely watched. Flagg’s ability to step up in the absence of two key stars could set the tone for Dallas’ early-season performance.
For now, Mavericks fans are left anxiously awaiting further updates on Davis’ recovery. With less than six weeks until the season begins, the hope is that the versatile big man can return to form and help lead Dallas to a strong start. Until then, the uncertainty surrounding his status will undoubtedly keep the Mavericks’ faithful on edge.