Daniel Gafford, Klay Thompson And Naji Marshall Return vs. Orlando Magic; Three Dallas Mavericks Doubtful

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks released their official injury report Thursday evening ahead of Friday’s home game against the Orlando Magic, and the headline is a collective sigh of relief for the American Airlines Center faithful.

In a season where the 24-52 Mavericks have seen their playoff hopes evaporate under a mountain of medical updates, the latest report finally offers some reinforcement. Dallas enters Friday’s contest desperate to snap a staggering 13-game home losing streak that stretches back to late January.

Facing a physical Orlando squad (40-36) that currently sits ninth in the Eastern Conference, getting key pieces back into the rotation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.

The most significant development is what is not on the list: Daniel Gafford, Klay Thompson, and Naji Marshall are all available after missing time in the last two games.

Daniel Gafford Cleared After Milwaukee Shoulder Scare

Daniel Gafford’s clearance is the primary headline. The center exited Tuesday’s 123-99 loss in Milwaukee with a right shoulder stinger and did not return, his right arm immobilized as he left the court with assistance. Head coach Jason Kidd was candid about the situation immediately following the game.

“He didn’t come back, so that means that he’s hurt,” Kidd said Tuesday night. “Hopefully, on Wednesday, we can give you an update on that.”

That update has proven positive. His name’s absence from the injury report confirms he will be available Friday. Gafford has been a vital interior presence for a shorthanded frontcourt, leading the team in blocks at 1.2 per game while shooting an efficient 65.7% from the field.

“Gaff has gotten way better throughout the season,” Cooper Flagg said. “Now that he’s gotten back to being healthy, everybody’s seeing how he can impact the game at a high level. It’s tough to see him get banged up again. But he’s tough. I’m sure he’ll fight through it.”

Klay Thompson and Naji Marshall Return

Klay Thompson, who sat out Tuesday’s game in Milwaukee for rest, is back in the rotation. The veteran guard has provided a consistent spark this season, holding the Mavericks’ single-season franchise record for three-pointers made off the bench with 176 (now totaling 190 on the year). He enters Friday averaging 11.7 points across 65 games.

Joining him is Naji Marshall, who was sidelined for the last two games due to illness. Marshall has been one of the team’s most durable and productive perimeter players, averaging 15.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists across 71 games. He began dealing with illness after totaling 19 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Three Dallas Mavericks Players Listed as Doubtful

Despite the returns, the Mavericks are still grappling with a depleted roster. Three players are currently listed as doubtful for the matchup against Orlando.

P.J. Washington remains limited by illness; the team’s leading rebounder at 7.1 per game is doubtful to play after missing Tuesday’s contest. He’s also averaging 14.1 points, along with 1.0 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Washington was not among the players seen by Dallas Hoops Journal during Thursday’s practice window, nor did he participate. Similar to Marshall, he was listed as having an illness after the Trail Blazers game, in which he had 5 points and 5 rebounds in 27 minutes.

During the open portion of Thursday’s session, Dallas Hoops Journal observed Marvin Bagley III and Caleb Martin shooting catch-and-shoot 3-pointers in spot shooting drills. Both players remain listed as doubtful—Bagley with a left shoulder impingement and Martin with a right plantar fascia strain that has kept him out for the last eight games.

Bagley powered through the shoulder injury he suffered in what was his best performance as a Maverick and his highest scoring outing since 2022-23. He totaled 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists in Portland in 27 minutes of action.

Martin hasn’t played since March 15 after playing 8 minutes, finishing with 5 points and 1 rebound against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Final Roster Updates and Tip-Off Info

John Poulakidas and Tyler Smith are both listed as probable on two-way contracts, providing essential depth for Jason Kidd’s rotation. Moussa Cissé is currently questionable on his two-way deal. Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II remain out following left knee and right foot surgeries, respectively.

With only five games remaining in the 2025-26 campaign, Gafford recently summed up the team’s mindset as they navigate the final stretch of a difficult year.

“We’ve been through hell,” Gafford said. “But I heard a quote today: when you’re going through hell, why stop there? You got to keep pushing, you don’t want to stay there. It’s too hot down there.”

Tip-off against the Magic is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT at American Airlines Center.

More Dallas Mavericks Coverage Before Orlando Magic Matchup

• ‘He’s Given Me That Confidence’: Cooper Flagg Credits Jason Kidd For Playmaking Evolution
• ‘Mentally Taxing’: Cooper Flagg Opens Up On Weight Of Losing Dallas Mavericks Season
• Dallas Mavericks’ Jason Kidd Responds To Mark Cuban’s Latest Comments On Luka Dončić Trade: ‘When Are We Going To Move On?’
• ‘Guys Aren’t On The Same Page’: Cooper Flagg Posts 12th Double-Double As Dallas Mavericks Lose 123-99 To Milwaukee Bucks, Injuries Pile Up
• ‘They Were Physical With Coop’: How Minnesota Handed Cooper Flagg One Of His Toughest Rookie Games
• ‘He Was Hunting’: How Cooper Flagg Reclaimed Rhythm To Snap Dallas Mavericks’ Skid In Portland
• ‘We Don’t Talk About Rookie Of The Year’: Cooper Flagg And Kon Knueppel Keep Duke Brotherhood Above The Race
• Dallas Mavericks Coach Jason Kidd Calls Cooper Flagg The ‘Clear-Cut’ NBA Rookie Of The Year