The Dallas Mavericks will be without one of their key interior defenders to begin the season. Head coach Jason Kidd confirmed before Wednesday’s opener that Daniel Gafford will not play against the San Antonio Spurs due to a right ankle sprain.
Gafford, who had been ramping up activity after missing all of preseason, was initially expected to miss two to three weeks. His absence on opening night leaves Dallas thin in the frontcourt, with Dereck Lively II expected to assume an expanded role alongside Anthony Davis.
Kidd said the team will continue to monitor Gafford’s recovery, adding that he could begin on-court work again later this week.
“He’s sore, so that’s why he’s out,” Kidd said. “I think he’s going to look to do some stuff on the court tomorrow, and we’ll see how he feels.”
Gafford averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in 57 games during the 2024–25 season, providing steady rim protection and finishing efficiency as part of the Mavericks’ frontcourt rotation.
Dereck Lively II Expected to Step Up
With Gafford sidelined, Lively’s development becomes even more crucial for Dallas early in the season. Kidd praised the 21-year-old center’s growth and confidence entering his third year.
“The game will slow down for him as he gets older,” Kidd said. “You’ll see him with his passing, his shooting, and being able to dominate the paint. Those are things we’re going to need from him all season.”
Lively averaged 9.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists last season in 32 games before suffering an ankle injury of his own. The Mavericks have emphasized using their size and rim protection to establish a defensive identity under Kidd.
Facing Victor Wembanyama in Season Opener
The Mavericks open the 2025–26 campaign with a nationally spotlighted matchup against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs — a meeting between the league’s last two No. 1 overall picks, Wembanyama and Cooper Flagg.
“When you talk about stars, this league is full of them,” Kidd said. “San Antonio has one of the best in Victor. He was the number one pick, and Cooper’s the number one pick. There’s a lot of attention on those two, but I think Cooper’s going to be fine. It’s basketball — he enjoys playing and he has fun.”
Kidd also acknowledged the challenge of defending Wembanyama, who enters his second season as one of the NBA’s most unique two-way players.
“Defensively, you’ve got to account for him,” Kidd said. “He can be guarding someone and still block a jump shot. He causes problems on both ends — that’s why he’s special.”
Depth and Leadership Defining Early Identity
The Mavericks’ rotation will feature one of the tallest starting lineups in the league, with Davis, Lively, P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson, and Flagg expected to open the game. Kidd said the group’s size and depth are key strengths, particularly as the team navigates early injuries.
“It’s great to have depth,” Kidd said. “If we’re healthy, we believe we can compete at a high level. Even with injuries, we still believe we can compete at a high level because of that depth.”
Kidd also highlighted Thompson’s emerging leadership role in training camp. “You’re talking about a future Hall of Famer,” Kidd said. “His energy has been incredible. His voice has been great — he’s coaching in film, he’s leading, and he understands what it takes to win.”
Dallas and San Antonio tip off Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. CST at American Airlines Center. It marks the first regular-season meeting between Wembanyama and Flagg, setting the stage for one of the NBA’s most anticipated rookie debuts.
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