Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford has been ruled out for Monday’s game against the Denver Nuggets as he continues to manage a lingering ankle issue, the team announced in its official injury report submitted to the NBA.
Gafford had been listed as doubtful entering the day, making his absence expected as Dallas closes its three-game Western road trip. He was on the floor during the Mavericks’ morning shootaround at Ball Arena, but was already unlikely to play before being downgraded to out.
The injury leaves the Mavericks increasingly thin in the frontcourt, with multiple rotation players still unavailable and others working through limitations.
Daniel Gafford Misses Second Game in Three Days
Gafford’s absence marks his second missed game in three days after he sat out Saturday’s win over the Clippers on the second night of a back-to-back. He did appear in Friday’s loss to the Lakers, logging 17 minutes and finishing with five points and four rebounds while battling through discomfort.
Across 14 games this season, Gafford has averaged 9.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks, stabilizing Dallas’ interior defense with his rim protection and vertical spacing. His inability to play through the current ankle issue places additional pressure on a Mavericks team that has struggled to maintain frontcourt continuity.
With Gafford out, Anthony Davis is expected to resume his starting role at center, anchoring Dallas’ interior presence after being upgraded to probable with a left calf injury management designation.
Dallas Mavericks Continue to Navigate a Crowded Injury Report
The rest of Dallas’ injury picture remains fluid. Dereck Lively II is still out due to right foot swelling and discomfort, leaving the Mavericks without both of their primary centers. Guards Kyrie Irving (left ACL surgery) and Dante Exum (knee surgery) also remain sidelined indefinitely.
P.J. Washington is questionable with a right ankle sprain, while Brandon Williams is questionable due to a left adductor strain. Klay Thompson, who was not present at Monday morning’s shootaround, is listed as probable with illness after fighting through fatigue to spark Saturday’s win over the Clippers.
The combination of absences and uncertainties leaves Dallas relying heavily on Davis, Cooper Flagg, Naji Marshall, and its remaining depth options as the team attempts to stabilize after an uneven start to the season.
Meanwhile, Denver enters the matchup healthier, with MVP candidate Nikola Jokic listed as probable despite a left wrist sprain. The Nuggets have won four of their last six and are coming off a 130-112 victory in Phoenix, powered by Jokic’s near triple-double and efficient perimeter shooting.
Monday’s matchup concludes the Mavericks’ road swing before they return home to host the Miami Heat on Wednesday.
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