The Dallas Mavericks just can't catch a break when it comes to their frontcourt depth this season. As if their injury woes weren’t already piling up, center Daniel Gafford has now been added to the list. The team announced Tuesday that Gafford suffered a right knee sprain and will be reevaluated in about two weeks. This is yet another setback for a Mavericks squad that has been trying to find its footing after a whirlwind of roster changes and unfortunate injuries.
Gafford’s injury happened early in Monday night’s intense overtime showdown against the Sacramento Kings. He managed to play only 10 minutes before leaving the game, adding yet another challenge for a Mavericks team that’s been scrambling to patch up its roster. With several key big men already sidelined, his absence couldn’t have come at a worse time.
A Frontcourt in Shambles
It’s not just Gafford who’s out—Dallas’ frontcourt is looking pretty thin right now. The team is already dealing with injuries to newly acquired superstar Anthony Davis, as well as Dereck Lively II and veteran Dwight Powell. The timing is brutal, considering that just last week, the Mavericks made a blockbuster move by trading franchise icon Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Davis.
When general manager Nico Harrison pulled the trigger on that shocking trade, he had a clear vision: a dominant, physically imposing frontcourt that could control the paint. But with injuries hammering the Mavericks one after another, that vision is still on hold. For now, it’s all about damage control.
Anthony Davis’ Status Adds to the Uncertainty
Davis, the marquee addition from last week’s trade, hasn’t even had the chance to make his Mavericks debut yet. He’s been dealing with a left adductor strain, and sources told ESPN that he’s expected to be out for multiple weeks. For a team that just gave up their biggest star in Doncic, they were hoping Davis could immediately take over as the new face of the franchise. Instead, they’re left waiting—and hoping—that he can recover soon enough to make an impact before the postseason race gets too tight.
Meanwhile, Dereck Lively II, the promising young center who had been a key defensive anchor for Dallas, suffered a stress fracture in his right foot last month. The initial timeline for his return was set at two to three months, meaning the Mavericks likely won’t see him back on the court until deep into the regular season, if not later.
Veteran Dwight Powell is also dealing with a hip injury, and his return remains uncertain. Without a clear timeline for when he’ll be back, Dallas is left with very few options in the frontcourt.
Who Steps Up Now?
With the Mavericks’ big men dropping like flies, head coach Jason Kidd has had to get creative with his rotations. In Monday’s loss to the Kings, second-year player Olivier-Maxence Prosper was thrown into the fire, taking over at center and logging 34 minutes. Given the current situation, he might see an extended role moving forward.
Another option for Dallas is P.J. Washington, who has been battling an ankle injury himself. Once he’s cleared to return, he could be used as a small-ball center in certain lineups. However, that’s far from an ideal long-term solution, especially in a Western Conference stacked with elite big men.
The Western Conference Playoff Picture
As of Tuesday night, the Mavericks sit at the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. That’s not exactly where they envisioned themselves at this point in the season, especially after making such a bold trade to bring in Davis. With multiple key players sidelined and the competition heating up, Dallas will have to rely heavily on their depth and find ways to grind out wins in the short term.
The pressure is on for players like Kyrie Irving and Tim Hardaway Jr. to carry the offensive load while the frontcourt regroups. But even with their firepower, the Mavericks need some good news on the injury front sooner rather than later. If Davis, Gafford, or Lively don’t return in time to make a difference, Dallas might find itself slipping further in the standings—a dangerous position in a conference where every game counts.
Looking Ahead
The next few weeks will be crucial for the Mavericks. If they can manage to stay afloat and get some of their key players back, they could still make a strong push in the second half of the season. But if injuries continue to pile up, they could be in for a much tougher road than they anticipated.
For now, all eyes are on the injury reports, hoping for some positive updates. Mavericks fans are eager to see their new-look team at full strength, but patience is key. Until then, Dallas will have to rely on grit, resilience, and some unexpected contributions to keep their season from spiraling out of control.
Stay tuned, because the Mavericks’ season is far from over—but the challenges are just beginning.
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