Mavericks’ Anthony Davis could return for weekend game in LA

Anthony Davis took part in Mavericks practice on Wednesday and is expected to be listed as questionable for Friday’s game against the Lakers, per Mike Curtis of the Dallas Morning News.

Dallas has two nights off before a back-to-back in Los Angeles, starting with the Lakers on Friday and the Clippers on Saturday.

Davis will not play both. He has been out since October 29 with a left calf strain and the Mavericks want to avoid any setbacks.

The plan is simple. See how he feels on Thursday and decide which night makes more sense.

When asked which game he preferred, Davis smiled and made it clear.

“That’s a real question? You know what game I want to play,” he said.

He still wants a crack at his former team. But he also said the final call will be made with the medical staff and coaching staff.

Davis has yet to play at Crypto.com Arena as a member of the Mavericks.

He had hoped to return sooner, but team owner Patrick Dumont pushed for patience and a cautious plan to limit the risk of re-aggravating the calf.

The Mavericks have struggled without him. They are 5-14 and have dropped 11 of their last 14. Davis played only five games before the injury.

Dallas has also been without Kyrie Irving and Dante Exum, along with Dereck Lively II, who is dealing with foot and knee issues.

Getting Davis back, even for one of the two games in Los Angeles, would be a lift for a team that badly needs one.

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