Daniel

Gafford

Mavs reporter Grant Afseth also notes that, “Kidd mentioned both Lively and Daniel Gafford will get a chance to start during the season and ‘not just because of injury.’” Lively II was electric as a rookie thanks in large part to his size, athleticism and hustle. He was able to convert lobs, run the floor on the fast break and swat shots with authority. Competition from Gafford won’t be a negative thing for Lively II’s fantasy value, as he maintained 12-team league value in just 23.5 minutes per game in his inaugural campaign.

Gafford struggled in the NBA Finals, as this was not the best matchup for his skill set. He only surpassed 20 minutes once in five games, playing 10 and 11 minutes in Games 4 and 5. To say this was a rough conclusion to the season for him would be an understatement. Gafford’s season took a turn for the better at the trade deadline as the Mavericks acquired him from the Wizards. While participating in a timeshare with rookie Dereck Lively II meant fewer minutes for Gafford, it did not negatively impact his fantasy value. Despite averaging 21.5 minutes per game, DG was a 6th-round player in 9-cat formats after joining the Mavericks. Gafford will still have solid fantasy value in 2024-25, but Lively may offer a higher fantasy ceiling, especially if he can add a perimeter shot to his toolbox.

After offering minimal offensive production in Games 1 and 2 of the NBA Finals, Lively’s output picked up in Dallas. The rookie center recorded double-doubles in both games, and he hit his first 3-pointer (regular season or playoffs) in Game 4. While Lively logged 22 minutes before both coaches cleared their respective benches, starting center Daniel Gafford (seven points, four rebounds, and one blocked shot) played ten. While the order of the rotation won’t change for Game 5 on Monday, Lively projects to be the better option for DFS players.

Lively and starter Daniel Gafford effectively have a timeshare at the center position, with Mavericks coach Jason Kidd tending to stick with the “hot hand.” The rookie was that player in Game 3, recording a double-double and also accumulating two steals. As for Gafford, he finished with six points, three rebounds, one assist, and one blocked shot in 16 minutes. The unpredictable nature of the minutes split makes it difficult to rely on Lively or Gafford in DFS, but the former proved to be a quality play on Wednesday.

Limited to 14 minutes in Game 1, Gafford was more impactful as a finisher and rebounder in Game 2. As a result, he played 23 minutes while backup center Dereck Lively II (two points and seven rebounds) logged 19. Dallas broke even in Gafford’s minutes, but they were a minus-15 with Lively on the floor. Regardless of which big man is on the floor, they’ll need to be better if the Mavericks are to have any chance of knocking off the Celtics. Game 3 is on Wednesday night in Dallas.

Lively was back in the rotation after sitting out Tuesday’s Game 4 defeat, and the rookie was impactful on both ends of the floor. He didn’t miss a shot from the field and was also effective as a playmaker in the short roll. Add in eight rebounds and three blocked shots, and Lively was one of the other difference-makers in Game 5. Starting center Daniel Gafford was also 3-of-3 from the field, tallying 11 points, nine rebounds, and one blocked shot in 20 minutes. Next up for Dallas are the Celtics in the NBA Finals, which begin on June 6.

With Dereck Lively II out with a sprained neck, it was evident that Gafford’s minutes would increase. The 31 minutes he played on Tuesday are the most for DG this postseason, and he was productive as a finisher, rebounder, and rim protector. Maxi Kleber played 13 of the remaining minutes, finishing with two points, one rebound, and one assist in his first game back from a separated shoulder. His minutes in Game 5 will be impacted by the status of Lively, who is trending toward being available to play on Thursday.

Lively injured his neck during the second quarter of Sunday’s Game 3 victory and did not return. While Dwight Powell re-entered the rotation in the second half, starter Daniel Gafford played most of the available minutes. The Mavericks could also have Maxi Kleber at their disposal, as he is questionable after missing time with a separated shoulder.

Washington hasn’t been as prolific offensively as he was in the first four games of the Western Conference Semifinals, but he has remained a critical supplementary option. After missing all four of his 3-point attempts in Game 2, the former Hornet hit two in Game 3, including a crucial corner three with 3:38 remaining that gave Dallas the lead for good. Both of Dallas’ trade deadline additions have been huge for them, turning the team into a genuine title contender. Daniel Gafford added five points, three rebounds, one assist, and three blocks in 29 minutes. Dallas will look to close out Minnesota on Tuesday.

Like Game 1, Gafford played fewer minutes than backup Dereck Lively II on Friday. However, that didn’t prevent him from having an impact, especially defensively. Gafford blocked five shots while also shooting 80% from the field, excellently finishing around the basket in the two-man game. As for Lively, he played 27 minutes in Game 2, finishing with 14 points, nine rebounds, and two assists. The rookie did not miss a shot, going 6-of-6 from the field and 2-of-2 from the foul line. Dallas’ big man tag team will look to keep the momentum rolling when they host Game 3 on Sunday.