DHJ Quick Take
- Another Blow: Daniel Gafford has been ruled out for the remainder of Tuesday’s game in Milwaukee with a right shoulder stinger, a massive loss for a roster already missing seven rotation players.
- Familiar Issue: The injury is to the same shoulder that sidelined the big man for two games last week; he leaves tonight’s contest with 7 points and 4 rebounds in 11 minutes of action.
- Frontcourt Crisis: With Gafford out and Dereck Lively II and Marvin Bagley III already sidelined, the Mavericks will have to finish the game at Fiserv Forum without their starting center.
MILWAUKEE — Just as the Dallas Mavericks seemed to be getting their anchor back, the injury bug bit again. Daniel Gafford will not return to Tuesday night’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks after suffering a right shoulder stinger, the team announced at halftime.
It’s a frustrating turn for the big man. He had only just returned to the lineup Monday night after missing two games with a sprain in that same right shoulder—an injury he originally picked up against the Golden State Warriors on March 23 that caused him to miss two games..
Before heading to the locker room, he put up 7 points and 4 rebounds in 11 minutes of work.
Costly Timing for a Depleted Dallas Mavericks Rotation
The timing couldn’t be worse for Jason Kidd and his coaching staff. Dallas already showed up at Fiserv Forum without seven rotation players, including P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, Klay Thompson, Caleb Martin, Kyrie Irving, and Dereck Lively II. Losing the primary interior presence mid-game leaves the roster without its starting center for the final two quarters.
At the break, the Mavericks trail 65-51 after a tough second quarter where the Bucks found their rhythm. One of the few bright spots has been Brandon Williams, who leads the team with 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting off the bench. Cooper Flagg has added 8 points and 5 rebounds, but he’ll have a much harder path to the rim without the gravity provided by his starting center.
Expect to see a heavy dose of Dwight Powell, Moussa Cissé, and Tyler Smith as the team tries to piece together a frontcourt for the second half.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates following postgame press conferences.
Tracking the Dallas Mavericks’ Mounting Injury Crisis
- Klay Thompson Ruled Out For Dallas Mavericks At Milwaukee Bucks Due To Rest
- Dallas Mavericks Face Milwaukee Bucks Shorthanded As Klay Thompson Joins Growing Injury Report
- ‘A Mismatch Nightmare’: How Marvin Bagley III Provided The Structural Engine For The Dallas Mavericks’ Win In Portland
- ‘They Were The Physical Team’: Dallas Mavericks Fall 124-94 To Minnesota Timberwolves As Home Losing Streak Hits 13
- ‘They Were The Physical Team’: Dallas Mavericks Fall 124-94 To Minnesota Timberwolves As Home Losing Streak Hits 13
- ‘He Was Hunting’: How Cooper Flagg Reclaimed Rhythm To Snap Dallas Mavericks’ Skid In Portland
- ‘We Don’t Talk About Rookie Of The Year’: Cooper Flagg And Kon Knueppel Keep Duke Brotherhood Above The Race
