The Dallas Mavericks are heading into Wednesday’s season opener against the San Antonio Spurs with several key players trending toward full strength.
Head coach Jason Kidd provided a positive update after Saturday’s practice, noting that center Daniel Gafford could be available for opening night after being sidelined through the preseason with a sprained ankle.
“We’ll see,” Kidd said. “No contact today, but he did some things. I wouldn’t rule it out, but we’ll take it day by day.”
Gafford averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in 57 games last season. The 6-foot-10 center was initially expected to miss two to three weeks after the injury, but has continued to progress in recent workouts. His potential return would give Dallas another interior anchor alongside Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II.
Caleb Martin and Brandon Williams Progressing Toward Clearance
While Gafford’s status remains a day-to-day evaluation, Kidd confirmed that forward Caleb Martin and guard Brandon Williams both practiced fully and are trending toward being available for the opener.
“Brandon Williams and Caleb Martin went through practice today,” Kidd said. “Gaff did non-contact. Kyrie and Exum were out.”
When asked if Martin and Williams are likely to play, Kidd added:
“Yeah, they’re trending in the right direction. If they keep doing what they’re doing Monday and Tuesday, they’ll have a good chance to play.”
Martin, who averaged 5.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 14 games for Dallas last season, missed all of this year’s preseason. Known for his defensive versatility and toughness, his return could help solidify the Mavericks’ wing rotation.
Williams also missed most of training camp with a hamstring strain but returned in the preseason finale against the Lakers, scoring five points in three minutes on 2-of-3 shooting, including a three-pointer. He averaged 8.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 33 games for Dallas last season.
Danté Exum, who averaged 8.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 20 games last season, has not yet returned to practice. Kidd said both Exum and Kyrie Irving remain out as they continue to recover from their respective injuries.
Jason Kidd Focused on Rotation Balance
With multiple players nearing a return, Kidd emphasized that early-season success will depend on maintaining health and rhythm rather than overextending minutes.
“If we’re completely healthy, no one needs to play 40 minutes,” Kidd said. “The first goal is to get consistent with a rotation and build rhythm. Then we’ll evaluate after about 10 games.”
The Mavericks open the 2025–26 season Wednesday in San Antonio against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs, who feature promising young guards Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle.
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