‘Of Course, Yeah’: Daniel Gafford Expects To Play As Dallas Mavericks Face Detroit Pistons In Mexico City
After a month of recovery and conditioning, Daniel Gafford says he’s ready to make his season debut when the Dallas Mavericks face the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Mexico City Game 2025.
The Mavericks officially listed Gafford as questionable with a right ankle sprain, but the 27-year-old center confirmed Saturday morning that he expects to play.
“Of course, yeah,” Gafford said at shootaround when asked if he’s ready for the game. “It’s been a one-day-at-a-time mentality. I really want to make sure I communicate with the training staff and let them know how I feel. That’s been my biggest thing throughout this process because I’ve been bad at that in the past with injuries.”
Veteran guard D’Angelo Russell remains questionable with a left knee contusion. He played through the issue in Wednesday’s win over Indiana, but landed on the injury report during the trip.
Daniel Gafford’s Long Road Back
Gafford sprained his ankle on the first day of training camp after landing on Anthony Davis’ foot during a drill. The setback forced him to miss the entire preseason and the Mavericks’ first five regular-season games.
“It’s kind of embarrassing to say—it was one of the first drills we did,” Gafford said. “I came down on A.D.’s foot. Just bad circumstances, honestly. Couldn’t really control it. It wasn’t something anybody planned to happen, but as they say, stuff happens, and you just have to get through it.”
The Mavericks went 2–3 during their season-opening homestand without Gafford, losing both Davis and Dereck Lively II to injuries during the stretch. Davis will miss at least the next two games with a left calf strain and will be re-evaluated after the road trip concludes in Dallas. Lively, who has a right knee sprain, has not yet been given a timeline for his return.
Without their frontcourt core, Dallas has relied heavily on Dwight Powell and P.J. Washington, while Cooper Flagg and Caleb Martin have filled in across multiple positions. Gafford’s return provides much-needed size, rim protection, and rebounding.
“It’s been a lot of ups and downs, of course,” Gafford said. “There are times when you want to rush through the process. I just gotta listen to my body when it comes to those situations. Throughout this month, it’s really been about working to get back—maintaining my conditioning, keeping my body strong, and doing pretty much all of the above.”
Adjusting to the Altitude
Saturday marks Gafford’s first time playing in Mexico City — and his first game action in over a month. He admitted the altitude adjustment has been a unique challenge.
“Honestly, I heard stuff about the altitude, but I wasn’t expecting it to be as crazy as it was when we first got here,” Gafford said. “When I first arrived, it was rough. You get short of breath, maybe a little cough, but once you start running drills and playing basketball, your lungs get used to it.”
Gafford added that the conditions are similar to playing in Denver, a city that has always presented difficulties for him.
“I’d say they’re kind of on the same scale for me,” he said. “Denver is a different beast—I don’t know what it is, but every time I go there, I’m never fully prepared for it. I just drink as much water as I can.”
The Mavericks are playing their fourth regular-season game in Mexico City, the most by any NBA franchise. Dallas enters the matchup 2–3, while Detroit’s frontcourt trio of Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson, and Isaiah Stewart poses a physical test.
Embracing the Global Stage
Gafford said he’s looking forward to playing in front of the Mexico City crowd, which is expected to fill Arena Ciudad de México for Saturday’s showcase.
“I know the fans are going to come in like any others around the world—just have fun and enjoy the game of basketball,” Gafford said. “As electric as you said it’s going to be, I’m sure they’ll try to blow the roof off the arena tonight.”
This trip also marks Gafford’s first extended visit to Mexico after previously vacationing in Cabo San Lucas.
“The only time I’ve visited was going on vacation in Cabo,” he said. “This is honestly my first time being in Mexico City, so I’m really excited for the experience. It’s been great so far. There were times I wanted to go explore, but it’s kind of been recommended not to do that.”
Gafford’s return would provide Dallas a critical boost in the frontcourt, especially with Davis and Lively sidelined. The Mavericks will wrap up the two-game road trip Monday in Houston before returning home for Davis’ evaluation.
“It’s been a long process, but I’m ready,” Gafford said. “I’ve been itching to get back out there. Now, it’s just about getting on the floor and doing my job.”
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