Will Anthony Davis play tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans? Latest update on the Dallas Mavericks star's injury report (February 21, 2025)

The Dallas Mavericks will be without star forward Anthony Davis for their upcoming game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, February 21, at the American Airlines Center. Davis, a key contributor for the Mavericks, has been ruled out due to a groin injury, adding to the team’s growing list of sidelined players.


Anthony Davis’ absence is a significant blow for the Dallas Mavericks, who are already dealing with multiple injuries. Daniel Gafford (knee), Dereck Lively (ankle), and Caleb Martin (hip) are also out, while Dwight Powell (hip) is listed as day-to-day. P.J. Washington (ankle) remains questionable, leaving the team shorthanded as they aim to maintain their playoff push.

Anthony Davis has been a cornerstone for the Mavericks this season, averaging 24.6 points per game, ranking 16th in the NBA. His defensive presence and scoring ability have been crucial for Dallas, which ranks 11th in the league in scoring (115.7 points per game) but struggles defensively, allowing 113.5 points per contest (17th in the NBA).


The Pelicans, on the other hand, are grappling with their own injury woes. Herbert Jones (shoulder) and Dejounte Murray (leg) are out for the season, while Zion Williamson is day-to-day for rest. Brandon Boston Jr. (ankle) is out, and Yves Missi (knee) is questionable, further thinning their roster.
The Pelicans, sitting at 13-42, have struggled on both ends of the court. They rank 22nd in scoring (110.6 points per game) and 27th in defense (119.4 points allowed per game). CJ McCollum leads the team with 22.5 points per game, but the absence of key players like Jones and Murray has hampered their performance.


Friday’s game tips off at 8:30 PM ET and will be broadcast on KFAA and Gulf Coast Sports. Fans can also stream the matchup on Fubo, though regional restrictions may apply.

The Dallas Mavericks will be largely dependent on Kyrie Irving, who has averaged 17.8 points in the last 20 games, and P.J. Washington, who has been a reliable rebounder with 8.2 rebounds per game, now that Anthony Davis is out. In the event that Williamson is unable to play, the Pelicans will turn to McCollum and Trey Murphy III.
Also read: Will Darius Garland play tonight against the New York Knicks? Latest update on the Cleveland Cavaliers star's injury report (February 21, 2025)
The outcome of Friday's game may depend on which team can adjust to their reduced rosters the best as both deal with injury issues. The Mavericks' struggle to maintain their competitiveness in the Western Conference is made more difficult by Davis' groin ailment.