‘He’ll Be Ready’: Dallas Mavericks Regain Daniel Gafford Before Facing Luka Dončić’s Los Angeles Lakers
The Dallas Mavericks will have Daniel Gafford available Saturday against the Los Angeles Lakers, but his return will come within a structure that has steadied the team during his absence.
Gafford was a full participant in shootaround and practice this week, and head coach Jason Kidd confirmed Friday that the center is ready to play after managing a lingering right ankle issue. Gafford returned from a one-game absence on Jan. 14 against the Denver Nuggets before reaggravating his right ankle sprain, ending his performance after 18 minutes, and causing him to miss the next four games.
“Gaff did shootaround. He did everything. He’ll be ready to go tomorrow,” Kidd said.
Despite Gafford’s availability, Kidd indicated the Mavericks expect to keep their current starting lineup intact — Naji Marshall, Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, Caleb Martin, and Dwight Powell — as Dallas looks to preserve continuity heading into another high-profile matchup.
“That group that started tonight deserves to start, and they’ll probably start on Saturday,” Kidd said. “Why not? He deserves it. They all deserve it.”
Through 29 games this season, Gafford has averaged 7.8 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting 62.9% from the field and 76.1% from the free-throw line. Nearly all of his offensive production has come in the paint, where his rim-running and vertical spacing have allowed Dallas to play fast without sacrificing efficiency.
When Gafford has logged consistent minutes, Dallas has been better equipped to finish defensive possessions and limit second-chance opportunities. His return adds another interior option rather than forcing a reshuffle of roles that have produced results.
Dwight Powell Steps Up During Absence
That stability has been built in large part by Powell, who has stepped into the starting role during Gafford’s absence and delivered consistent production. Powell has started each of Dallas’ last five games, averaging 7.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting 77.8% from the field. The Mavericks are now 6–0 when Powell starts this season.
Powell posted a double-double in Thursday’s 123–115 win over the Golden State Warriors, finishing with 10 points and 12 rebounds in 27 minutes.
“When you look at a double-double — the last time he had that was 2023 — understanding he’s playing at a very high level,” Kidd said. “It’s a great example of being a pro. No matter how much money you make, you come to work every day. He never complains, and he plays the game the right way.”
Kidd made clear that Powell’s role has been earned.
“Yeah, let’s keep starting him. Why not? He deserves it,” Kidd said. “That group that started tonight deserves to start.”
Marshall echoed that sentiment after the Warriors win.
“And shout out to DP, bro. He comes in and plays hard. Sometimes he might not play, sometimes he might — you gotta shout out guys like that, bro,” Marshall said. “True professional. I really love, love, love playing on the floor with DP. He’s always there for me on defense and offense, and it’s somebody who’s just a great chemistry guy. It’s easy to play with him, he’s a great guy in the locker room. So just shout out to DP, bro, for real.”
Why Dallas Mavericks Will Keep the Same Starters
Dallas’ decision to keep its current starters reflects how the group has handled close games and late-game pressure during its recent stretch. Kidd pointed to composure and execution after the Mavericks closed Thursday’s win with a decisive run.
“Just composure. Taking care of the ball, but defensively understanding Steph can get going — and he got going — but I thought the group kept its composure when he went on a little mini run there on the defensive end,” Kidd said. “And then on the offensive end, I thought we did a good job of executing and sharing the ball. Christie was great again tonight. Naji was really, really good tonight too. So those two kept us together down the stretch, but it’s a great team win against a very good team.”
Christie said the payoff from earlier struggles has been evident.
“Yeah, yeah, for sure. We just trusted the process from the very beginning,” Christie said. “We were up here talking about that when we had those close games early in the season, and we were all saying to just trust the process and get that experience. Obviously it’s paying off for us now — in these close games and even late in games when teams are trapping and trying to force turnovers.”
He added, “We’re a lot more composed. We know where we’re going on the floor. And that just comes with experience. Obviously, a little bit of failure early in the season helped us have success now.”
Christie also detailed how expanding his shooting profile has helped open the floor.
“There are some shots I’ve been taking this year that I probably wouldn’t have taken before — pulling up off the dribble, isolation threes, stuff like that,” Christie said. “It can be uncomfortable at times, but that’s how you get better. So just continuing to get uncomfortable in those scenarios and understanding that failure might come before success.”
Naji Marshall, Momentum and the Luka Dončić Matchup
Marshall framed the Mavericks’ recent stretch as growth through adversity rather than circumstance.
“I think we’re just growing. Just in general in life, I think people are really quick to criticize, but like you said, we’ve been at a disadvantage basically without players,” Marshall said. “It’s a lot of young guys out there, a lot of people who’ve been in the NBA for the first time, so they’re just learning on the move. And for them to pick it up and just get better and better like that — unbelievable feeling to see. So just proud of my guys.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, Marshall acknowledged the emotion of facing Luka Dončić.
“Oh, I love playing against Luka. That’s my guy. I miss him dearly. He’s doing his thing,” Marshall said. “I know it’s going to be loud, packed — everybody’s going to want to see Luka. To be able to share the floor with Luka again is truly a blessing. He’s my brother. We’re on opposite teams and we want to win, but I just want the best for him throughout the rest of his career.”
Marshall added that he welcomes the challenge defensively.
“Oh, for sure. I love the challenge. I’m a dog, and I guard anybody. That’s just what it is,” he said.
Layering Daniel Gafford Back Into the Rotation
With Gafford available, Dallas gains another interior option without disrupting the identity it has built during his absence. Kidd confirmed the same starting group is expected to take the floor Saturday, while Gafford works back into the rotation.
Caleb Martin remained in the starting lineup Thursday after P.J. Washington returned from a right ankle sprain, a decision Kidd described plainly.
“There was a short conversation,” Kidd said. “The group was starting — that’s the starters — and in walkthrough he was in the second unit. It was real simple. Not a long conversation. That’s what it was.”
Against a Lakers team that tests physicality, execution and composure late, the Mavericks believe continuity — paired with Gafford’s return — gives them their strongest footing yet.
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