‘We’ll See How He Feels’: Daniel Gafford Questionable To Play Against Washington Wizards As Dallas Mavericks Eye Interior Boost
The Dallas Mavericks may finally be getting some needed size and rim protection back in the lineup. Head coach Jason Kidd confirmed Thursday that center Daniel Gafford will be listed as questionable for Friday’s matchup against the Washington Wizards, marking a potential return from the right ankle sprain that’s sidelined him since the start of training camp.
“He did some stuff today,” Kidd said. “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow.”
Gafford, 27, suffered the injury on the first day of camp in Vancouver, British Columbia, and missed the entirety of the preseason as well as Wednesday’s 125-92 season-opening loss to the San Antonio Spurs. He took part in post-practice drills that included midrange shooting, on-ball defense, and free throws, showing progress toward a full return.
Dallas Mavericks Missed Daniel Gafford’s Presence
Dallas’ lack of size was evident against San Antonio. Victor Wembanyama exploded for 40 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks, leading a Spurs team that outscored the Mavericks 68-26 in the paint and won the rebounding battle 50-37. Without Gafford, both Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II were hampered by early foul trouble, forcing Dwight Powell into extended minutes.
“I thought the end of the second (quarter) is where we kind of lost our focus on offense on the floor turning the ball over,” Kidd said after the loss. “When you give up 31 fast-break points you’re not going to win a lot of games. So this is good to learn — Game 1 — to learn from.”
The Mavericks shot just 37.3% from the floor and never found rhythm on either end. Kidd emphasized that his group must play with more physicality and communication defensively to recover from Wednesday’s defeat.
Injury Challenges Continue for Dallas Mavericks
While Gafford’s potential return is encouraging, Dallas remains short-handed. Danté Exum will miss Friday’s game due to right-knee injury management, and Kyrie Irving continues his recovery from left-knee surgery that has kept him sidelined since March 3.
“He’s sore, that’s why he’s out,” Kidd said of Gafford before the opener. “We’ll see how he feels (Thursday).”
Gafford averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in 57 games last season, providing the energy, rim protection, and interior stability Dallas sorely missed on opening night. His return would bolster a defense that ranks among the NBA’s worst in points allowed in the paint through one game.
Looking Ahead
The Mavericks (0-1) host the Wizards (1-0) on Friday at American Airlines Center. With Gafford facing his former team, his availability could prove pivotal as Dallas looks to avoid an 0-2 start and reestablish a defensive identity built around size, discipline and rim protection.
Latest Dallas Mavericks News & NBA Rumors
- NBA News: ‘Keep Playing’: Kyrie Irving’s Sideline Advice Fuels Cooper Flagg’s Growth During NBA Debut
- NBA News: ‘You Don’t Know Until You’re Out There’: Cooper Flagg Reflects On First Matchup With Victor Wembanyama
- NBA News: ‘It’s Game One’: Cooper Flagg’s Debut Overshadowed By Victor Wembanyama’s 40-Point Display
- NBA News: ‘He’s Sore’: Daniel Gafford Out For Dallas Mavericks’ Season Opener vs. San Antonio Spurs
- NBA News: ‘I Love Winning’: Naji Marshall Finding Rhythm In Dallas Mavericks’ Split-Action, Positionless System [Exclusive]
- NBA News: ‘We’re A Work In Progress’: Jason Kidd On Dallas Mavericks’ Search For Identity
- NBA News: ‘Doesn’t Matter’: P.J. Washington Focused On Winning, Not Role With Dallas Mavericks
