Has Anthony Davis put on weight? Internet buzzes with rumors after Dallas Mavericks star's surprising photo surfaces during injury hiatus

As his recovery from a strained left calf continues to be delayed, Anthony Davis' first full season with the Dallas Mavericks hasn't gone as planned thus far. A photo of the star forward appearing noticeably heavier went viral on social media on Monday during his extended absence.

He has missed six consecutive games because of a left calf problem. This included the Mavs' 116-114 loss to the Bucks on Monday night. But contrary to the very popular picture, he has not gained weight - or at least, not as much as the picture would show.

Anthony Davis’ viral photo sparks weight gain rumors amid ongoing injury recovery and uncertain return timeline

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said that Davis has been out on the court working and is getting better, but he has not given a specific date for his return yet. The picture above shows Davis standing at the shootaround with his teammates in black shorts and a white T-shirt.Even though the 2020 NBA champion looked happy in the photo, his seemingly bigger side profile drew a lot of mockery.“Anthony Davis is CHUNKY now. Dallas really was the problem,” the parody account BrickCenter captioned the picture on X.The parody account NBA Central shared another similar image, which has since spread to other accounts. However, the actual answer is no, Anthony Davis has not gained weight, at least not the amount suggested in the viral photograph.

Davis has a very different body in this recent photo of him with Kidd on the sidelines. Yes, it's probably not good for your fitness to be sidelined for a few weeks due to a calf strain.In the meantime, Davis is not doing well. On October 30, he sustained the injury against the Indiana Pacers. Due to bilateral Achilles tendinopathy, Davis was rated as "probable" prior to the match. Despite this, he dressed up and was hurt in the first quarter after landing hard on his feet during a shot attempt.The Mavericks could benefit greatly from Anthony Davis' possible comeback as they try to win their fourth and second straight game. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP, has been on a roll, averaging 33.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.1 blocks while shooting 63.1%, including 50.0% from three. His presence can provide them with an extra buffer against him.Also read: "He is a two-way force"- Dallas Mavericks star Klay Thompson hails teammmate Anthony Davis as the best power forward of his generation