Tonight’s duel between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers marks Luka Doncic’s first meeting against his former team after the trade that sent him to Los Angeles and Anthony Davis to Dallas.

Doncic has shone with the Lakers and is looking to consolidate the team in the West, while the Mavericks have had to adjust their scheme, relying on Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson and Max Christie. Without Davis, Dallas will have a bigger challenge in this key game on the road to the playoffs.

How is Anthony Davis?

Anthony Davis suffered a left adductor strain on February 8, during his debut with the Dallas Mavericks. The injury occurred in a game against the Golden State Warriors, when Davis tried to make an explosive move in the paint and felt discomfort in the thigh area.

The Mavericks’ medical team conducted initial evaluations and determined that it was a muscle strain, which has kept him out of action ever since. Although the franchise has not given an exact timetable for his return, Davis is expected to be re-evaluated on March 6, which could determine whether he returns to the court before the end of the regular season.