With playoff positioning on the line, injuries could blow up the Dallas Mavericks’ momentum. Every win is important, every potential muscle in the regular season gets tougher with a player missing in the road to a playoff. The biggest question clouding the team on Thursday is: Will Anthony Davis play when they face the Atlanta Hawks? His very presence could be the difference in a game that features two teams branching so desperately to hold their play in hopes.

With key players out for the season, the Hawks are handicapped as well. With injury-ravaged lineups on both sides, the competition today has as much to do with survival as it does with a win. The injury report is so thin that the Mavericks need every ounce of firepower they have.

Mavericks vs. Hawks Injury Report

Dallas is heading into this game with six players on the injury list, including some long-term absences that have significantly altered their playoff push. Anthony Davis is officially listed as probable with a groin issue, which is promising news for Mavericks fans. However, the team will be without Kyrie Irving for the rest of the season, a massive blow to their offensive production. Dereck Lively’s status remains questionable with an ankle injury, leaving the Mavericks with uncertainty in the frontcourt.

Apart from that, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Dante Exum are both out for the game, while Caleb Martin is probable with a hip injury. The injury report with 6 hoopers does not look like a very good sign for the Mavs.

The Hawks are also dealing with significant losses, including Clint Capela and Jalen Johnson, both of whom are out for the season. Their depth has taken a hit, but they remain a dangerous team, especially with their backcourt still intact. The absence of Capela could give Dallas an edge in the paint, especially if Davis is at full strength.

Here is a look at the depth chart:

Sitting at 37-39, the Mavericks currently hold the ninth seed in the Western Conference. That’s a precarious position with the Sacramento Kings breathing down their necks, just half a game behind.

The Phoenix Suns aren’t far off either, trailing by only two games. A loss tonight could send Dallas into a freefall, putting their play-in tournament hopes in serious jeopardy.

The Hawks are in an almost identical position in the Eastern Conference, making this a must-win game for both teams. With so much at stake, the margin for error is razor-thin. The Mavericks need to capitalize on Atlanta’s injuries while making sure their own key players stay on the floor. That starts with Anthony Davis, who has a history of delivering in big moments against the Hawks.

Anthony Davis vs. The Hawks – A history of dominance

Few players have been as consistently effective against Atlanta as Davis. Over 19 career matchups, he has averaged 21.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, proving to be a nightmare for their defense. His last two performances against them speak for themselves.

Back in January, he posted an 18-point, 19-rebound performance that showcased his ability to control the boards and protect the rim. In December, he erupted for 38 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, shooting over 55% from the field. If he’s anywhere close to that level tonight, the Mavericks will have a major advantage.

The Mavericks need every win they can get, and Anthony Davis playing through his groin issue could be the boost they need. Without Irving, they’ll rely heavily on Davis to lead the way, while players like P.J. Washington and Klay Thompson must step up. The Hawks are shorthanded as well, making this a battle of attrition as much as a fight for playoff positioning.

Dallas can’t afford a misstep. The West is too competitive, and a single loss could send them spiraling in the standings. If Davis suits up and delivers another dominant performance, the Mavericks might just keep their postseason hopes alive.