Wizards Brace for Anthony Davis' 2026 Return After Season-Ending Injury

Wizards' recent acquisition will miss remainder of 2025-26 season due to left hand and groin injuries.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Washington Wizards' newly acquired star Anthony Davis will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA season due to injuries to his left hand ligaments and a groin strain, the team announced. The Wizards, who are struggling at 14-36 and nine games out of the final play-in spot in the Eastern Conference, will focus on Davis' full recovery in order to have him ready for the 2026-27 season.

Why it matters

The Wizards' decision to hold Davis out for the rest of this season underscores the team's focus on building a stronger, healthier lineup for the 2026-27 season, though it creates short-term uncertainty as they also await the debut of recently acquired guard Trae Young, who is sidelined with a knee injury.

The details

Davis, a 10-time NBA All-Star, joined the Wizards via a three-team trade involving nine players and several draft picks that was finalized at the trade deadline on Thursday. Before the move, Davis had not played since January 8 when he sustained his left hand and groin injuries during a loss to the Utah Jazz. This season, he played only 20 games for the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game.

  • On January 8, Davis sustained left hand and groin injuries during a loss to the Utah Jazz.
  • On February 7, 2026, the Wizards announced that Davis will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

The players

Anthony Davis

A 10-time NBA All-Star who was recently acquired by the Washington Wizards but will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season due to injuries.

Trae Young

A four-time NBA All-Star guard who was recently acquired by the Washington Wizards but remains sidelined due to a right knee MCL sprain and bruised quadriceps.

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What’s next

The Wizards will focus on Davis' full recovery in order to have him ready for the 2026-27 season, while also awaiting the debut of Trae Young as they look to build a stronger, healthier lineup for the future.

The takeaway

The Wizards' decision to hold out Anthony Davis for the remainder of the 2025-26 season highlights the team's long-term focus on having a healthy and competitive roster, even if it means sacrificing short-term success as they await the returns of both Davis and Trae Young.