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The Dallas Mavericks<\/a> left Salt Lake City with more than a narrow loss on their minds<\/strong>. Thursday night’s 116-114 defeat <\/strong>to the Utah Jazz<\/a><\/strong>ended with Anthony Davis<\/a> heading to the locker room early<\/strong>, holding his left hand<\/strong> and leaving the bench visibly concerned. What initially looked like a routine in-game injury quickly turned into something much heavier.<\/strong><\/p>\n For Dallas<\/strong>, the timing could not be more uncomfortable<\/strong>. The team has been walking a fine line between competing now and keeping options open ahead of February’s trade deadline<\/strong>. Davis has been central to both conversations. His presence on the floor anchors the Mavericks<\/strong>, and his name has hovered in league-wide speculation<\/strong> for weeks.<\/p>\n Anthony Davis was dunking hard hours before getting injured once again<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n By Friday morning, the picture sharpened. ESPN insider Shams Charania <\/strong>reported that Anthony Davis suffered ligament damage in his left hand<\/u><\/strong>, according to league sources. The update immediately shifted focus from short-term pain management to long-term availability<\/strong>. Depending on the outcome of a second opinion and whether surgery is required, Davis could miss several months<\/strong>.<\/p>\n That possibility changes everything. Teams exploring trade scenarios<\/strong> typically look for clarity, not medical uncertainty. At 32<\/strong>, Davis remains a high-impact player, but an extended absence<\/strong> would naturally make front offices pause. Even without surgery, ligament injuries in the hand often demand cautious timelines<\/u>, especially for big men who rely on strength, touch, and constant contact.<\/p>\n “The Mavericks will seek a hand specialist’s opinion on the extent of the damage to Anthony Davis’ left hand, but league sources confirm tonight that their fears of ligament damage from the injury sustained in Utah appear to have been validated. Davis is out for an unknown period.<\/p>\n\n