DHJ Quick Take
- Reinforcement Arrives: Daniel Gafford is listed as probable for Monday’s matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves after a two-game absence due to a right shoulder sprain.
- Elite Efficiency: Before the injury, Gafford was in the midst of a historic stretch, including a 20-point performance on 8-of-8 shooting against the Golden State Warriors.
- Team Defense: Head coach Jason Kidd emphasized that while Gafford’s return is vital, the Dallas Mavericks must maintain the “five-man” paint protection identity they used to beat Portland.
DALLAS — Daniel Gafford is trending toward returning to the Dallas Mavericks lineup for Monday night’s clash with the Minnesota Timberwolves at American Airlines Center.
The 27-year-old center was upgraded to probable on the team’s official injury report after missing two games with a right shoulder sprain. Gafford has been sidelined since March 23, when he exited an overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors following a dominant 20-point performance on a perfect 8-of-8 from the field.
While the Mavericks were able to stabilize defensively in a 100-93 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, the return of Gafford provides a massive boost to a frontcourt currently playing without Dereck Lively II.
Dallas Mavericks Leverage the ‘Pocket’ With Marvin Bagley III
While Dwight Powell and Marvin Bagley III provided stability in Gafford’s absence, the Mavericks had to alter their offensive geometry. In Friday’s win over Portland, the team relied heavily on “the pocket”—hitting Bagley on the move rather than searching for the vertical lobs Gafford typically provides.
“He was being dominant. We were finding him and giving him the ball and just letting him do him. Obviously, he’s scoring at a high level in the paint. He’s just a mismatch nightmare for them tonight,” P.J. Washington told Dallas Hoops Journal. “I feel like when he’s in the pick-and-roll, it’s good for us. If we hit him in the pocket, he can make plays, he can pass, he can score. I think he just had a great night tonight for sure.”
Bagley, who finished with 26 points, noted that the team’s defensive connectivity had to spike to compensate for the lack of a traditional shot-blocker.
“Any win in this league is good to have, especially when you play together like we did tonight. I think we were all connected. Communication was at a high level defensively,” Bagley said. “We were able to stick to our game plan and do what we went over in shootaround. It was a collective effort tonight, and we were able to get the job done. It’s always great to get a win in this league.”
The return of Gafford, who has averaged 13.6 points and 8.4 rebounds since the All-Star break, allows the Mavericks to transition back to a more vertical offensive scheme and an aggressive defensive drop coverage just in time to face Rudy Gobert and the Timberwolves.
Jason Kidd on the ‘Five-Man’ Commitment for the Dallas Mavericks
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd emphasized that while Gafford’s individual impact is vital, the team must maintain the defensive identity they forged in Portland.
“As much as we’ve talked about protecting the paint, we have to do that as a team — especially without Gafford,” Kidd said. “It takes five guys out there to protect the paint better.”
While Dwight Powell provided veteran stability in the starting five during the last two games, the re-insertion of Gafford allows for more traditional rotations against a Minnesota team built around interior size.
“We’re never shorthanded with DP,” Kidd added. “Not just in this game but all season for us — his energy and his effort. We made a conscious effort of trying to keep bodies on their bigs and then get out and run. The guys did a great job.”
With Kyrie Irving and Lively still ruled out following surgeries, the Mavericks’ focus remains on health as they navigate the final week of the 2025-26 regular season.
“Health — just being healthy. That’s something we’ve talked about for the last two years,” Kidd said. Hopefully, we can carry that into the summer and start next season healthy. Getting Kai back, getting D-Live back — that’s important.”
Dallas Mavericks Injury Report: Monday vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Beyond Gafford, the Mavericks’ depth remains tested. Naji Marshall is listed as probable despite an illness after a career-high five steals in Portland. However, the frontcourt could be thinner if Bagley is unable to play; he is listed as questionable with a left shoulder impingement sustained late in Friday’s win.
Caleb Martin is doubtful to suit up as he continues to recover from a right plantar fascia strain that has sidelined him for six straight games.
Next Up
The Mavericks (24-50) return to American Airlines Center for a one-game stop against the Timberwolves (45-29) on Monday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT.
More Dallas Mavericks Coverage Before Minnesota Timberwolves Matchup
- ‘Just Having Fresh Legs’: Klay Thompson Breaks Dallas Mavericks’ Single‑Season Bench 3‑Point Record
- ‘He’s Doing The Right Thing’: Jason Kidd Endorses Naji Marshall For Dallas Mavericks Contract Extension
- Dallas Mavericks Coach Jason Kidd Calls Cooper Flagg The ‘Clear-Cut’ NBA Rookie Of The Year
- ‘Big Win On The Road’: Dallas Mavericks Snap Five‑Game Skid Behind Marvin Bagley III’s 26 In 100–93 Win Over Portland Trail Blazers
- ‘I Like Making The Right Play’: Cooper Flagg Shows Decision‑Making Beyond His Years As NBA’s Youngest Player
