Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (shoulder) will suit up for Sunday's meeting with Miami. He has been upgraded from questionable to available. Gafford has scored in double-figures in nine consecutive games and is an intimidating figure inside the paint with his blocking ability. Dallas needs a big game out of him and Dereck Lively II against Bam Adebayo. The minutes are quite evenly shared between the two centers, but Lively II has been the starter for the Mavericks in the most recent games.
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's matchup versus the Miami Heat. With Luka Doncic (wrist) sidelined, Gafford stepped up in Friday's win over the Denver Nuggets, finishing with 13 points, six rebounds, three steals, and one block. Unfortunately, he's dealing with a sore shoulder. If the 26-year-old doesn't suit up for this one, Dereck Lively II would likely see an uptick in minutes. Naji Marshall, who had 26 points on Friday, and Maxi Kleber could also get more involved if Gafford can't get on the floor.
Daniel Gafford Falls Just Short Of Double-Double In Game 2 Loss
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford was very close to his second postseason double-double of the year in Sunday's Game 2 defeat to Boston, finishing the contest with 13 points and nine rebounds. Gafford, who is an extremely efficient scorer, was once again sharp from the field, hitting 6-for-9. He registered one block at the other end, logging 23 minutes of action after being limited to only 14 minutes in Game 1. Following an underwhelming performance in the Finals opener, Gafford was back in form on Sunday. But it looks like the Mavericks need even more from him, with Boston now 2-0 up in the series.
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford scored 12 points with perfect 6-for-6 shooting and swatted away three shots in a 105-100 loss to the Timberwolves on Tuesday. Playing a playoff-high 31 minutes, Gafford contributed in multiple areas, grabbing eight rebounds and tallying one assist with one steal. The 25-year-old big man saw extra action due to Dereck Lively II (neck) being out. He's been a major force on the defensive end in the series and always does his work on offense efficiently as well. With four games played in the matchup, Gafford has averaged 10.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks with 72.4 percent shooting.
Daniel Gafford Impresses With Double-Double, Five Blocks
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford had an impressive opening to the second-round series against Oklahoma City on Tuesday, posting a double-double and swatting away five shots in a 117-95 loss. Dallas struggled throughout the contest, but Gafford enjoyed his best postseason outing of the year. He scored 16 points with 5-for-12 shooting from the field and a 6-for-8 record at the line and grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds. The Thunder lack size and have struggled on the glass all year, making this a very favorable matchup for Gafford, who has now scored in double figures in back-to-back games while bagging 17 rebounds.
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (back) will suit up for Friday's matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers. He's taken a beating during this series, so he was listed as questionable heading into this contest. However, the former Wizard will be on the floor. Gafford didn't see much work in the first two games, and that likely won't change on Friday night. Yet, his availability will still lower the fantasy ceilings of Maxi Kleber and Dereck Lively II.
Dallas Mavericks forward/center Daniel Gafford (back) is considered questionable for Friday's Game 3 against the Clippers. He couldn't practice on Thursday after being limited to only nine minutes due to a back issue in Game 2. Maxi Kleber saw 28 minutes off the bench on Tuesday, while Dereck Lively II also benefited. Both should figure heavily in the rotation again on Friday if Gafford can't play. Lively II could be an intriguing DFS play if he joins the first unit. The rookie from Duke averaged 8.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks as a starter during the regular season.
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (back) returned to Tuesday's matchup with the Clippers. He logged just three minutes before exiting in the first quarter with back soreness. But it appears Gafford is at least feeling well enough to return, although there's a chance he could be limited. The 25-year-old also tweaked his ankle on Sunday in Game 1, so he may appear on the injury report heading into Game 3 on Friday night.
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (back) is questionable to return to Tuesday's matchup with the Clippers. The 25-year-old lasted three minutes before being escorted to the locker room with back soreness. The Mavs lost Game 1, so the team is certainly hoping he can get back out there. But if Gafford is done for the evening, Dereck Lively II and Maxi Kleber would likely absorb most of the surplus minutes.
According to Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, center Daniel Gafford will play on Saturday versus OKC. Gafford was with the Wizards since halfway through the 2020-21 campaign. However, he's coming off his best season in Washington, averaging 10.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks in 45 appearances. Although the 25-year-old won't start, he could see a generous workload, with Dereck Lively II (nose) recently undergoing surgery. Gafford's presence isn't good news for Maxi Kleber, who has gotten more action during Lively's absence. But when Lively returns, Gafford's fantasy ceiling could decrease significantly.
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