Anthony Davis Debuts for Dallas Mavs in Battle of Texas Versus Houston Rockets
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 08 Feb 2025
Anthony Davis is reportedly making his debut for new team Dallas Mavericks tomorrow in the so called Battle of Texas against the reeling Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center arena in Dallas.
Significantly, starting this game, Mavs coach Jason Kidd will finally grant what Davis had long been asking for but did not get from his former team, LA Lakers, i.e. he gets back to play his old position as power forward.
That could be a little problematic though as Mavs main big man Derrick Lively III is reportedly out on ankle injury and relief center Daniel Galford would need someone to spell him for rest or if he finds himself in foul trouble. The other center Dwight Powell is reportedly day to day.
That means Davis may still have to play as center as needed precluding a mano a mano with the Rockets' main point man Jaren Green though he will get to test Houston's main big man Alperen Sengun.
Kidd has originally thought of playing Davis at four with PJ Williamson at the wings to complement him but Williamson is also reportedly iffy due to injury. That means Davis would have any of Quentin Grimes, Naji Marshall or Dante Exum to pass to in the wings.
Dallas however can depend on its backcourt to step up as always with Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson starting with Spencer Dinwiddle and James Hardy coming off the bench.
But the Rockets can not be taken for granted despite losing its past four games. Coach Ime Udoka would nothing more than the scalp of a headlining squad as Dallas for a morale boost comeback win and on the enemy home arena no less.
And Udoka has the materials to do just that although he will be missing major pieces in veterans Fred Van Fleet at point and relief slotman Steven Adams whose physicality can also pose trouble to Davis.
Still Udoka has enough materials in his extended line-up to implement his trademark whole of the team approach that propel Houston to as high as second in the West before an unexplained four game losing streak.
With Sengun playing steady ball at the slot on both ends, Udoka will rely on Amen Thompson to complement Green with further fire-power support from Dillon Brooks, Cam Whitmore, Tari Eason and Jabari Smith, Jr. coming off the bench. Aaron Holiday and Nate Williams will take care of the backcourt while Jock Landsdale will spell Sengun at center.
The author Teodoro Medina Reynoso is a veteran boxing radio talk show host living in the Philippines. He can be reached at teddyreynoso@yahoo.com and by phone 09215309477.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Teodoro Medina Reynoso.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: Remembering Don José Sulaimàn
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 29 May 2025Manalo’s son Dylan secures victory
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 29 May 2025Manny’s induction to proceed
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 29 May 2025Hall of Fame Boxing Promoter Don King Wins $1.1 Million Purse Bid To Promote WBA Regular Heavyweight World Champion Kubrat Pulev Facing No. 2 Contender Michael Hunter On August 23
Thu, 29 May 2025Super middleweight division to open up, Darius Fulghum plans to make his move
Thu, 29 May 2025Boxing News Roundup: Tragedy, Comebacks, and Controversies Rock the Ring
Wed, 28 May 2025Indiana Pushes New York on the Edge, Wins Game Four, 130-121 for 3-1 Lead
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 28 May 2025Former Japanese World Champion Ginjiro Shigeoka Retires After Brain Surgery
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 28 May 2025Certeza Leads Antipolo Speedcubing Winners
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 28 May 2025CATTERALL VS. EUBANK + UNDERCARD LAUNCH PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Wed, 28 May 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION MAY 26 2025: Willibaldo Garcia, Terri Harper, Pedro Taduran and Angelo Leo Register Wins in World Title Fights
By Eric Armit, Tue, 27 May 2025Why split decision for Taduran?
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 27 May 2025Oklahoma Nips Minnesota, 128-126 for 3-1 Series Lead; T-Wolves Lose Despite Better Stats
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 27 May 2025Height no problem for Manny
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 27 May 2025IBF Could Spoil Planned Taduran-Collazo Fight
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 27 May 2025