“Just Having Them Back Will Be a Boost”: Mavericks Eye Play-In Push with Gafford, Lively Nearing Return

Daniel Gafford has been upgraded to probable, and Dereck Lively II is listed as questionable as the Dallas Mavericks open a two-game homestand Monday night against the Brooklyn Nets. The injury developments come at a critical juncture for a team trying to solidify its position in the Western Conference play-in race.

Through 75 unpredictable games filled with roster changes, trades, and injuries, the Mavericks (37-38) have climbed into ninth place in the West, one-half game ahead of Sacramento and 2.0 games up on Phoenix. With seven games remaining, the team aims to finish strong and possibly host a postseason game in the play-in tournament.

“Just having them back will be a boost,” head coach Jason Kidd said of Gafford and Lively. “Especially for our defense.”

Kidd noted the team’s rise through the standings after successfully getting through a challenging road trip, improving their outlook for the play-in tournament.

“When we left, I think we were in 11th starting this road trip,” he said. “We’re just focused on one game at a time. This group is close. They’re fighting for each other. They’re executing the game plan. To end the road trip with a W and go 3-1 is big this time of year, no matter what the record is. Now we get the chance to go home.”

Anthony Davis, who returned last week from a groin injury that sidelined him for nearly two months, has played in three of the last four games. He finished with 12 points and six rebounds in just over 26 minutes in a win over Brooklyn on March 24 and followed that up with 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in Saturday’s win at Chicago.

“I put a lot of pressure on myself,” Davis said. “Everybody was telling me, like, ‘Bro, you missed six weeks.’ So I’m trying to find a rhythm, but most importantly, we have to win.”

“It takes time,” Davis added. “Especially when we just don’t have a lot of practice. We’re figuring it out in the game. But I think the good thing about me — I’m able to adapt to any situation.”

Davis said he’s particularly excited about the potential return of Gafford and Lively, noting what their presence would mean to Dallas’ size and rim protection.

“Having those two towers back — man, on both ends of the floor — that’ll be big,” Davis said. “Obviously we don’t want them rushing back. We want them to be 100 percent. But once they do, it’ll take more time to adjust. We’ll just kind of see where it goes.”

Kidd praised Davis for making an impact even when his shot isn’t falling. “If things aren’t going well, he can playmake,” Kidd said. “Defensively, being able to rebound, block shots, or give us the luxury of whoever he’s on just playing one-on-one. His offense will come.”

P.J. Washington, who returned from an ankle sprain Saturday, said the team is building momentum.

“Guys are starting to click. We’re starting to find a rhythm,” Washington said. “We’re playing good basketball right now, and obviously we just gotta keep it up.”

“He brings so much to our team,” Washington added of Davis. “He’s trying to work his rhythm back, and I feel like we’re in a good place right now.”

Klay Thompson, who knocked down three consecutive 3-pointers during a pivotal 15-0 second-quarter run against Chicago, echoed that sentiment.

“I think we’re 4-0, so that’s a good indicator,” Thompson said. “I love being his teammate. I love playing off of him. And I can’t wait to build — not just for this year, but for the future.”

With Gafford and Lively out Saturday, the Mavericks leaned heavily on two-way players Brandon Williams and Kessler Edwards, along with reserve big man Kai Jones. Williams, playing his 50th and final game under his two-way contract, finished with 12 points.

“Speed. Can’t guard it,” Kidd said of Williams. “We talk about Devin Harris’ speed – you can’t guard it. I know you can’t teach it, but you can’t guard it and he uses his speed as a weapon to be able to get to the rim, as we saw in the last game. But, as we’ve seen with him all season, his ability to go coast-to-coast is something that doesn’t happen a lot in this league.”

Thompson called Williams “a pleasant surprise” and said it was unfortunate his two-way eligibility had run out.

“He’s been such a great energy off the bench or in the starting lineup,” Thompson said. “It sucks he can’t keep going because he’s making a huge impact.”

Kidd was similarly encouraged by Jones’ impact. “He was 7-for-8, 15 points, seven rebounds,” he said. “He gives us the luxury of playing one-on-one with the guards and trying to take away the three. Just his versatility has been great.”

Kidd also highlighted the Mavericks’ evolution from a top-heavy team to a deeper, more versatile group.

“We were built around Kai and Luka, and things changed,” Kidd said. “Then with the injuries, things changed again. These guys in that locker room — a lot of character, a lot of talent. Everyone’s touching the ball, everyone’s doing their best defensively. It’s a team effort.”

Dallas remains without Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), Danté Exum (left hand fracture), and Olivier-Maxence Prosper (right wrist surgery). Caleb Martin (right hip strain) is listed as probable alongside Davis.

The Mavericks have won four of their last five games and are seeking their first three-game winning streak since mid-February. With a 4-3 finish, they would reach .500 and likely secure the No. 9 seed, giving them a home-court advantage in the 9–10 play-in game.

“It feels good,” Washington said of climbing from 11th to ninth. “But the job’s not finished.”

Dallas hosts Brooklyn on Monday before welcoming Atlanta on Wednesday.