Both the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies may be without multiple key players in Saturday night's matchup.

One of the reasons the Dallas Mavericks are being so cautious with Anthony Davis' as he recovers from a calf strain is because his trade value largely hinges on him being able to show he is still an impact player.

Anthony Davis remains one of the most compelling trade chips the Dallas Mavericks could wield, especially as they weigh their future and potentially pivot toward a youth‑and‑picks build.

Dallas Mavericks All-Star guard Kyrie Irving has been sidelined to start the season as he rehabs from the torn ACL he suffered in March. The Mavericks haven't given a definitive timeline on his return, though January has been floated before as a possibility.

During a recent game, Anthony Davis and the Mavericks staff confronted the referees during a timeout after a controversial challenge.

Eight months have passed since Kyrie Irving tore his ACL. That is quite a setback, but not for Irving, since six months after the injury, he returned to the court in August, initially for practice.