Lively, Gafford Upgraded to Doubtful Headlines Mavericks’ Positive Injury News Ahead of Bulls Matchup
The Dallas Mavericks released their latest injury report ahead of Saturday’s road game against the Chicago Bulls. While some key players are trending in the right direction, the team still faces a severely short-handed frontcourt.
Anthony Davis (left adductor strain), Caleb Martin (right hip strain), and Brandon Williams (low back tightness) are all listed as probable and are expected to be available. Davis, who has appeared in just three games since being acquired from the Lakers, has steadily ramped up his workload and is continuing to build rhythm and endurance after missing 11 games.
“I feel great,” Davis said. “I put a lot of pressure on myself to be great. Everybody was telling me: ‘You missed six weeks and this is your second game back.’ I’m trying to find a rhythm, but most importantly we got the win. Everybody played well, but I feel good. My body is feeling good.”
P.J. Washington (left ankle sprain) and Kai Jones (left hip contusion) are both questionable. Washington has been sidelined for two games, while Jones exited in the first quarter on Thursday after landing awkwardly on his back following a lob dunk. Jones has been one of the team’s bright spots late in the season, averaging 14.2 points and 8.6 rebounds since joining Dallas on a two-way deal earlier this month.
“When you look at what Kai’s done, he’s done it at a high level — being able to score and rebound and change shots,” head coach Jason Kidd said. “It seems like he’s been here all year.”
Daniel Gafford (right knee sprain) and Dereck Lively II (right ankle stress fracture) are both listed as doubtful — the first time they’ve received that designation since suffering their respective injuries. Both players participated in 3-on-3 work with the Texas Legends last week and have shown encouraging signs of progress.
Gafford last played on February 10 against the Kings, finishing with four points. The Mavericks are 8-12 without him since that game. In 51 games this season, Gafford has averaged 12.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks.
Lively has not played since January 14, when he scored four points against the Nuggets. Dallas has gone 14-20 without him since January 15. In 32 games this season, Lively has averaged 9.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists.
“As we go forward, hopefully we’ll continue to get positive news on Lively,” Kidd said previously. “He’s out of the boot, so he’s trending in the right direction. AD is trending in the right direction, so as we go forward there will be more news to come.”
Danté Exum (left hand fracture), Olivier-Maxence Prosper (right wrist surgery), and Kyrie Irving (left ACL tear) all remain out.
The Mavericks will look to close their four-game road trip with a 3-1 record Saturday in Chicago, with postseason positioning in the play-in picture on the line. Despite the absences, Dallas has leaned on its depth and fast-paced style to remain competitive.
“One thing about our group — we don’t panic,” Kidd said. “Yes, we’re small and may be under-sized. But we can play fast, and the one thing we always talk about is playing hard, so that’s what we’re trying to do right now.”
Dallas recently ran out of games eligible to play two-way contract wing Kessler Edwards and will no longer be able to play Williams if he is active against the Bulls. Both players must be signed to a standard contract to play again for the Mavericks this season after reaching the 50-game limit.
The Mavericks hope Gafford and Lively return to competition before the play-in tournament. If that were to happen, Dallas would still be limited on time to build chemistry for this season, but could give its best effort to earn a postseason birth and evaluate the roster for the 2025-26 season.
