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There were two big questions around the Mavericks this season: one, how will the franchise navigate itself without Luka Dončić, and two, how will the team utilize the No. 1 draft pick, Cooper Flagg? The 3-7 record and 14th standing in the Western Conference is enough to answer both questions. Their offense has been the league’s weakest so far, and while their defense ranks among the top five, it hasn’t translated into wins. Meanwhile, Flagg has spent much of the first 10 games struggling in an unfamiliar role. One hope was Anthony Davis, but the food of Texas got to him before the game itself, as per the fans. The Dallas Mavericks will once again be without Anthony Davis when they face the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, marking the sixth consecutive game the star big man has missed. Davis, dealing with a sprained left calf, won’t be back on the court until Wednesday’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns. His absence has been felt sharply, as the Mavs have struggled to find consistent production without him. Davis first went down on October 29 against the Indiana Pacers with a low-grade calf strain, an injury likely linked to the Achilles issues he’s battled since joining Dallas. The team initially expected him to miss only one or two games, but setbacks have kept him sidelined, and his return is being carefully monitored. Even Davis himself was eager to play in Washington on Saturday, but team officials, including Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont, decided it wasn’t safe, given his history of injuries. ADVERTISEMENT The 10-time All-Star has only played five games this season, but he’s made them count. In those contests, Davis has averaged 20.8 points on 52% shooting, 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks over nearly 30 minutes per game. His presence on the floor is the kind of impact that shifts games, and without him, the Mavericks have gone 1-4, including a four-game losing streak prior to their recent win over the Wizards. With Davis out, the team will rely on players like Naji Marshall, Moussa Cisse, and Dwight Powell to pick up the slack. His absence highlights just how vital he is to Dallas’ lineup, and the Mavs are taking no chances, careful management now could prevent a small calf strain from turning into a season-altering injury. ADVERTISEMENT But now a viral picture of Anthony Davis is making the rounds online, leaving fans questioning the state of Texas itself. Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports ADVERTISEMENT Fans React: The debate around Anthony Davis One fan didn’t hold back, tweeting, “AD looks HUGE. Maybe Dallas is the issue all along.” The debate didn’t start with the regular season, whispers began back in the preseason. After the Mavericks’ 120-116 loss to the Hornets, many fans pointed fingers at Davis, citing his weight as a concern. In just 24 minutes on the court, he scored 12 points, grabbed four rebounds, and added one assist, but his minus-24 on the night highlighted just how much the team struggled with him in the lineup. With access to top-tier training, nutrition, and professional guidance, the expectation was that Davis would be in peak form. That only amplified the criticism from fans, who were quick to question whether the struggles were on him, the system, or both. ADVERTISEMENT Another fan joked, “That Texas BBQ hits different,” a sentiment that resonated with many across social media. In Texas, barbecue isn’t just food, it’s a culture. From smoky, tender brisket to perfectly charred ribs, it’s a tradition that’s earned worldwide fame. So it wasn’t surprising that fans wondered if Davis might be indulging a little too much, especially given his past comments about food in New Orleans. “Being in New Orleans, you see such a variety of foods, so it’s hard not to try them,” Davis once said. “I’ve been able to eat very well, trying different things like alligator, duck, hog. I’ve gotten to experience different types of food and actually like them.” Between his love for trying new dishes and the temptations of Texas barbecue, it’s easy to see why fans might be having some fun with the conversation. Another fan didn’t hold back, writing, “Luka left Texas and got skinny. Davis went there and got fat.” The comment hit a nerve because weight has long been part of the conversation around Dallas players. One of the reasons cited for trading Luka Dončić was that his performance in Dallas was being affected by his physical condition. Since leaving Texas for Los Angeles, Luka has completely transformed, slimming down and returning to peak form. Some fans credit his change to a “revenge” motivation, while others point the finger squarely at the city itself. ADVERTISEMENT One fan didn’t hold back during media day, quipping, “AD looks like he’s about to announce his retirement in 2-3 years.” The comment caught attention as fans quickly noticed a shift in Davis’ physique. Reports soon confirmed that he weighed in at 268 pounds, roughly 15 pounds heavier than last season. But Davis brushed off the concerns, framing it as part of a deliberate strategy. “I feel good,” he said confidently. “I kind of almost go into every season like this, because I put on so much weight over the summer. Then by the time November comes, I’m usually like 255, 258. I never want to come in at my playing weight, because then I lose weight during the season and I’m too small.” Fans may have reacted with surprise, but for Davis, it’s all part of a plan to stay strong and effective through the grind of the season. Another fan weighed in with a nod to past warnings, writing, “Chuck always warned us about Texas. He was just using San Antonio as an example.” While the cautionary words caught attention, Davis’ performance last season speaks for itself. Averaging 24.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across 51 games, he clearly remains a dominant force on the court. For now, the focus has to be on his recovery. Once the injury is fully healed, fans and analysts alike can better judge whether the concerns about his weight are valid or if the Mavericks’ struggles are just a result of life after Luka Dončić.
