Anthony Davis Injury: How the Mavericks Are Struggling in the NBA Power Rankings (2026)

The Dallas Mavericks are in a dire situation, and it’s not just because of their recent losses. Anthony Davis’s hand injury has thrown the team into a tailspin, potentially sidelining him for a significant portion of the remaining season. This setback has left fans and analysts alike questioning whether the Mavericks can salvage their season. But here’s where it gets even more concerning: despite their struggles, their position in NBA.com writer John Schuhmann’s power rankings remains unchanged, stuck at a disappointing No. 25.

Schuhmann highlights the team’s woes, noting, ‘Anthony Davis is out again—possibly for a long time—after injuring his left hand in Utah on Thursday. The Mavs continue to languish in the bottom five in the West, having dropped six of their last seven games against teams with losing records.’ The Mavericks’ inability to capitalize on rest-advantage games is particularly alarming—they’re 0-6 in such matchups, a statistic that underscores their inconsistency and lack of depth.

But here’s where it gets controversial: Even when the Mavericks manage to secure a win, their performance often lacks the polish and cohesion of a team on the rise. Take their recent victory in Sacramento, for instance. While they pulled off two clutch go-ahead buckets in the final minute, the overall gameplay was far from impressive. Flagg’s heroics—a lefty finish off the glass and an assist on a Brandon Williams 3-pointer—were bright spots, but they also highlight the team’s reliance on individual moments rather than a cohesive strategy. Flagg’s 4-for-6 record on clutch shots ties him for fourth league-wide, but is that enough to turn the season around?

The Mavericks’ upcoming schedule doesn’t offer much relief. They face the Brooklyn Nets tonight, followed by a matchup against the Denver Nuggets (sans Nikola Jokic) on Wednesday. Then, it’s back-to-back games against the Jazz in Salt Lake City on Thursday and Saturday. With such a challenging slate, the question remains: Can the Mavericks break free from their slump, or are they destined to remain at the bottom of the power rankings?

And this is the part most people miss: The Mavericks aren’t just struggling with injuries and losses—they’re also grappling with systemic issues that go beyond any single player’s absence. Their offensive and defensive strategies lack consistency, and their bench depth is being tested like never before. While teams like the Brooklyn Nets, New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers, and Sacramento Kings sit below them in the rankings, the Mavericks’ performance doesn’t inspire confidence that they’ll climb out of this hole anytime soon.

So, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is Anthony Davis’s injury the sole reason for the Mavericks’ struggles, or is it merely a symptom of deeper problems within the organization? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. And don’t forget to stick with MavericksGameday for more in-depth, FREE coverage of the Dallas Mavericks throughout the 2025-26 season. Follow us on Twitter (@MavericksSI) and Austin Veazey (@EasyVeazeyNG) for the latest updates and insights.