DHJ Quick Take
- Shorthanded Rotation: The Dallas Mavericks will be without six players against the Minnesota Timberwolves, including late scratches P.J. Washington and Naji Marshall (illness), plus Marvin Bagley III (shoulder).
- Gafford Returns: In a vital boost to the frontcourt, Daniel Gafford has been cleared to play after a two-game absence. He looks to build on a perfect 8-of-8 shooting performance from his last outing.
- Physicality and Pace: Gafford told Dallas Hoops Journal the key to matching Minnesota’s size is maintaining the high motor and physical identity that led to Friday’s defensive win in Portland.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks will be without six players for Monday night’s home matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves at American Airlines Center, the team confirmed on its official injury report.
The most significant late-day changes involve P.J. Washington and Naji Marshall, both of whom entered the day listed as questionable due to illness but have since been ruled out. The Mavericks’ finalized list of absences for tonight’s contest includes Marvin Bagley III (left shoulder impingement), Moussa Cissé (G League/Two-Way), Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery), and Caleb Martin (right plantar fascia strain).
Daniel Gafford is available to start after being upgraded from his right shoulder sprain, while John Poulakidas and Tyler Smith will also be active and available for the rotation.
Washington has been a consistent interior presence this season, averaging 14.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists across 55 games. Marshall is coming off a stellar performance in Friday’s 100-93 win over Portland, where he posted 19 points and a career-high five steals before the illness sidelined him.
Kidd echoed that the defensive effort that held Portland to a season-low 93 points Friday is the standard the group must maintain, even shorthanded.
“Next man up mentality,” Kidd said. “The group just played hard. The energy and effort was there. And again, against a very talented Portland team that has been playing extremely well.”
Frontcourt Depth Tested as Marvin Bagley III Sidelined
The Mavericks’ interior rotation faces further strain as Marvin Bagley III has been ruled out with a left shoulder impingement sustained late in Friday’s win. The injury ends a productive stretch for Bagley, who scored a season-high 26 points on 11-of-14 shooting off the bench in his last outing.
He joins a long-term casualty list that includes Kyrie Irving, who remains out following left knee surgery, and Dereck Lively II, who continues to recover from right foot surgery. Additionally, Caleb Martin is sidelined for the seventh straight game with a right plantar fascia strain.
Minnesota will also be without Jaden McDaniels, who is out with right knee soreness. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch made clear how much McDaniels’ absence weighs on the group.
“We miss a lot — we miss a ton of Jaden,” Finch said. “The defense obviously stands out, but his consistent offense and ability to be a go-to option in key moments is huge. Being able to go to him for a good look — something you trust and can repeat — that’s going to be sorely missed while he’s out.”
Daniel Gafford Cleared for Return
In a much-needed boost for Jason Kidd’s rotation, Daniel Gafford has been cleared to play. Gafford missed two games with a right shoulder sprain after exiting an overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors on March 23. His presence will be vital in matching the size of a Minnesota frontcourt anchored by Rudy Gobert.
Gafford finished with 20 points on 8-of-8 shooting in his last performance when he injured his shoulder against the Golden State Warriors. He’s looking to pick up where he left off against Minnesota.
“Really just confidence and just taking my time with what the offense was giving me,” Gafford told Dallas Hoops Journal. “Just taking the fact that teammates had faith in me with passing me the ball. I was just trying to be able to use my energy to kind of feed throughout the team and just feed off their energy as well, because we were kind of bouncing off of each other.”
Gafford identified physicality and pace as the formula for success against Minnesota.
“Really just physicality and just pretty much playing with the pace that we play with all the time,” Gafford told Dallas Hoops Journal. “Whenever we have been in a position of just like all of our wins, like being the faster team. And of course, being the most physical team.”
Beyond the primary rotation, the Mavericks will have John Poulakidas and Tyler Smith available on two-way contracts. Moussa Cissé remains out while on G League assignment.
Next Up
The Mavericks host the Timberwolves at American Airlines Center on Monday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT.
More Dallas Mavericks Coverage Before Minnesota Timberwolves Matchup
- ‘Keep Him Off The Rim’: Shorthanded Dallas Mavericks Face Stiffest Test Yet As Anthony Edwards Returns For Minnesota Timberwolves
- ‘A Mismatch Nightmare’: How Marvin Bagley III Provided The Structural Engine For The Dallas Mavericks’ Win In Portland
- ‘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
- P.J. Washington Praises Marvin Bagley III’s ‘Dominant’ Career Night Against Portland Trail Blazers
- Naji Marshall Joins P.J. Washington As Questionable For Dallas Mavericks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Due To Illness
- Marvin Bagley III Uncertain For Dallas Mavericks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Following Shoulder Injury
- Daniel Gafford Probable For Dallas Mavericks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Following Right Shoulder Sprain
- ‘Just Having Fresh Legs’: Klay Thompson Breaks Dallas Mavericks’ Single‑Season Bench 3‑Point Record
- ‘He’s Doing The Right Thing’: Jason Kidd Endorses Naji Marshall For Dallas Mavericks Contract Extension
- Dallas Mavericks Coach Jason Kidd Calls Cooper Flagg The ‘Clear-Cut’ NBA Rookie Of The Year
- ‘Big Win On The Road’: Dallas Mavericks Snap Five‑Game Skid Behind Marvin Bagley III’s 26 In 100–93 Win Over Portland Trail Blazers
