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Anthony Davis is “in increasingly strong contention” to return during the Dallas Mavericks’ upcoming four-game road trip, per NBA insider Marc Stein.

The Mavericks will begin the trip on Monday against the Brooklyn Nets. After midweek matchups against the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic, they will close out the stretch against the Chicago Bulls on Saturday.

Davis made his team debut on February 8, posting 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks in 31 minutes, as the Mavericks toppled the Houston Rockets 116-105. Unfortunately, he suffered a left adductor strain and has been sidelined since.

In addition, the Mavericks are without star guard Kyrie Irving, who tore his ACL in early March.

Despite the injuries, Dallas is tied with the Phoenix Suns for the 10th seed and final play-in spot in the Western Conference. The Suns have the toughest remaining schedule in the NBA, which includes two games against the Boston Celtics.

Conversely, the Mavericks’ remaining schedule is rated as the 19th-toughest in the league, including two matchups against the Nets.

The team’s potential play-in opponent, the ninth-seeded Sacramento Kings, are dealing with their own injury issues; All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis is expected be out for at least 10 days with a moderate ankle sprain.

If Davis can return to the lineup, the Mavericks will be legitimate contenders to compete for a playoff spot.

Davis was acquired by Dallas last month in the deal that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.

–Field Level Media