Daniel

Gafford

The initial report said that Gafford would be re-evaluated in late February, but now he is expected to be sidelined until at least late March. With Anthony Davis also sidelined for the foreseeable future, Dallas is thin down low. With PJ Washington sidelined recently, the Mavs have started Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Kessler Edwards in the frontcourt. Both players scored in double figures on Thursday, but they’re both difficult options to trust in fantasy hoops, even if it is a great opportunity for them.

Gafford suffered a right knee sprain in Monday’s matchup with Sacramento, and he will be sidelined until at least February 25. Dallas is now down Gafford, Anthony Davis and Dwight Powell, meaning Mavericks legend Kylor Kelley could be in line for some big minutes before the All-Star break.

Gafford joins the list of injured Mavs, which leaves them even more shorthanded in the frontcourt. Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II are still sidelined, which means that Kylor Kelley is the only available center in the lineup. Gafford bumped knees with Malik Monk, and Dallas should provide a clearer timeline for his return if this ends up being a lengthy absence.

Shams notes that the absence could extend up to a month, putting Davis out well beyond the All-Star break. With Dereck Lively II still sidelined, Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington will be leaned on heavily in the frontcourt. Lively II doesn’t have a timeline for return, but he could be sidelined until the end of the regular season. Davis’ injury is devastating for a team that traded Luka Doncic for him in a bid to “win now.” Injuries are nothing new for Dallas’ big man acquisition, and the Mavericks will be severely shorthanded for the foreseeable future. AD appeared in 76 games last season, but he averaged just 50 games per season in the five before that.

Dallas showcased their newfound defensive upside in their first game with Anthony Davis available as Gafford’s six swats weren’t just a season-high, but he also accounted for a third of the Mavericks’ franchise-record 18 blocks in this one. Davis exited early with a “lower body injury,” and it’s unclear how much more time he’ll miss because of it. Gafford will be required to step up with Davis sidelined, which should amplify his rebounds and blocks numbers.

The way Gafford played Thursday night, it almost makes you scratch your head as to why the Mavericks would trade Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis. The 26-year-old center doesn’t need the ball in his hands or take very many shots, but can still impact the game offensively and grab a good amount of rebounds. While the Mavericks were able to reach the NBA Finals with Gafford in that role last year, Davis is set to make his Dallas debut soon. Gafford’s fantasy value is certain to take a hit with all the usage Davis will inevitably command.

While the door was cracked open slightly for Davis to make his Mavericks debut in Boston, this confirmed earlier reports that the Mavericks were targeting Saturday’s game against the Rockets. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said he hopes to have Davis on the floor against Houston. When that happens, Dallas will have a starting frontcourt of PJ Washington, Davis, and Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively II (when he’s healthy).

Gafford, who experienced numbness in his left arm during the fourth quarter of Tuesday’s loss to Philadelphia, fully participated in Wednesday’s practice. He’s off the injury report and will take on his usual starting center responsibilities in Boston. That could also be Anthony Davis’ Mavericks debut, allowing fans to see the AD/Gafford partnership for the first time.

Gafford exited early on Tuesday after getting hit in the head, which caused his neck to “jam up”. Gafford’s left arm numbed up, though he said that he probably should have played through it. When asked if he would play against Boston on Thursday, Gafford said, “I’ll be on the floor”. Managers should expect him to suit up, though the official injury report will make it clear.

Back in the Mavericks’ lineup after missing Sunday’s loss to Cleveland with a sore left ankle, Gafford logged 33 minutes on Tuesday before exiting with an apparent left shoulder injury. The last thing Dallas can afford is to lose DG, given their current roster. Dereck Lively II (ankle) will be out for an extended time, and Anthony Davis (abdominals) may not make his Mavericks debut until the weekend. Losing Gafford would put Dallas in a rough spot and would likely result in more minutes for undrafted rookie Kylor Kelley.