Dallas Mavericks Injury Update
Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said Daniel Gafford will be listed as questionable for Friday’s game against the Washington Wizards.
It’s a positive development after the seventh-year center missed Wednesday’s season-opening loss to the San Antonio Spurs and the majority of the preseason because of a right ankle sprain suffered on Sept. 30 — the first day the Mavericks opened training camp in Vancouver, British Columbia.
“He did some stuff today,” Kidd said. “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow.”
Gafford went through a post-practice drill that included spot-up midrange shooting, 1-on-1 defense and free-throw shooting. He was initially billed as questionable for Wednesday’s game, but was downgraded to doubtful because of soreness.
Gafford’s Potential Return
The Mavericks could’ve used Gafford’s services to throw another body in the mix to defend Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, who dominated the first game of the season with 40 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks. Starting center Dereck Lively II played just 10 minutes due to foul trouble, collecting five fouls in that limited amount of time.
Gafford averaged a career-best 12.3 points, alongside 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.8 blocks in 57 games last season.
There’s some significance in Gafford possibly being available to play Friday because he spent three seasons with the Wizards before he was traded to Dallas during the 2023-24 season.
Daniel Gafford went through a post-practice drill that included spot up midrange shooting and 1-on-1 defense (not shown). He’s ramping up for a return that could come as soon as Friday against Washington. pic.twitter.com/bWgslMyfF3
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) October 23, 2025
Impact on the Team
The Mavericks are looking to bounce back from their season-opening loss, and Gafford’s potential return could be a significant boost to the team. With Gafford on the court, the Mavericks would have another talented player to help defend against top opponents like Wembanyama.
Gafford’s experience playing for the Wizards could also give the Mavericks an edge in their upcoming game against his former team. The Mavericks will need all the help they can get, as they look to turn their season around and start winning games.
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