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Mavericks' Daniel Gafford: Makes brief trip to locker room
Rotowire
Gafford went to the locker room during the third quarter of Monday's game against the Heat due to an undisclosed injury, but he returned with 8:52 remaining in the quarter, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.
Gafford looked to take a knee to the body on a Giannis Antetokounmpo dunk, and the big man was spotted going into the locker room right after. However, Gafford was able to return later in the quarter after getting checked out.
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Mavericks' Daniel Gafford: Fills box score in Saturday's loss
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Gafford posted 12 points (6-9 FG), nine rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks over 23 minutes during Saturday's 122-106 loss to the Spurs.
Gafford scored eight of his 12 points in the first half and finished tied for the second-most points on the Mavericks behind rookie first-rounder Sergio de Larrea (21 points). Gafford's five combined blocks and steals were his most in a regular-season game since Feb. 5 of the 2025-26 campaign against San Antonio (seven), and he was one rebound shy from logging his first double-double of the season.
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Mavericks' Daniel Gafford: Swats two shots in loss
Rotowire
Gafford totaled two points (0-1 FG, 2-4 FT), three rebounds, two blocks, one assist and one steal across 22 minutes during Wednesday's 128-110 loss to the Rockets.
Gafford didn't offer much on the offensive end in Dallas' season-opening loss. However, the big man recorded a game-high mark in blocks while chipping in a steal. He figures to operate as Dallas' starting center for now, though the eventual returns of Santi Aldama (knee) and Dereck Lively (foot) will likely eat into Gafford's playing time.
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Mavericks' Daniel Gafford: Not listed on injury report
Rotowire
Gafford (rest) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Friday's preseason finale with the Hawks.
Gafford sat out Wednesday's exhibition for rest, but he'll be back in action for Friday's final exhibition before the regular season. Over 55 games (44 starts) last season, Gafford averaged 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.3 blocks per contest.
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Mavericks' Daniel Gafford: Won't play Wednesday
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Gafford (rest) won't play Wednesday against the Pelicans, Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News reports.
The big man is receiving a maintenance day Wednesday. His next chance to play comes Friday against the Hawks.
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Mavericks' Daniel Gafford: Plays off bench in opener
Rotowire
Gafford produced seven points (3-4 FG, 1-1 3Pt), three rebounds and one steal in eight minutes during Friday's 135-117 preseason loss to the Rockets.
In an interesting move, new head coach Dusty May opted to start a small-ball lineup of Cooper Flagg, Max Christie, Naji Marshall, Zaccharie Risacher and rookie Morez Johnson in the Mavericks' preseason opener, notably leaving Gafford to play off the bench. It's unclear if this trend will continue in the regular season, but with Dallas' frontcourt banged up, including a cloudy return timeline for Dereck Lively (foot), Gafford may need to play heavy minutes even if he operates off the bench.
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Mavericks' Daniel Gafford: To have green light from deep
Rotowire
Gafford could have the green light to attempt occasional three-pointers this season, with head coach Dusty May encouraging the center to expand his offensive game, Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News reports.
May said the Mavericks want Gafford to become more of a playmaking decision-maker on the perimeter and indicated that he'll be allowed to take rhythm threes as long as he earns those opportunities. Gafford has attempted just one three-pointer across his seven NBA regular seasons and has yet to make one, so any development of a perimeter shot would represent a significant change to his offensive profile. He averaged 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 21.7 minutes across 55 regular-season appearances in 2025-26.
Mavericks' Daniel Gafford: More competition for minutes
Rotowire
Gafford will face increased competition for minutes during the 2026-27 season after Dallas selected Morez Johnson with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Gafford started 44 of the 55 games he appeared in last season, but there's a new head coach in Dallas, and the Mavericks just drafted one of his favorite prospects. With Dereck Lively expected to be back after recovering from foot surgery, Gafford will likely face stiff competition for frontcourt minutes during the 2026-27 campaign.
Gafford (rest) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bulls
Gafford will miss a fourth consecutive contest to end the season. The big man will finish the campaign with averages of 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.1 assists across 21.7 minutes per contest in 55 regular-season outings (44 starts). With Marvin Bagley (shoulder) and P.J. Washington (elbow) also ruled out, Moussa Cisse and Dwight Powell are expected to handle the center minutes.
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Mavericks' Daniel Gafford: Likely out versus Chicago
Rotowire
Gafford (rest) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against Chicago.
Gafford missed the last three games, so it's not surprising to see his name on the injury report for the season finale. With P.J. Washington (elbow) and Marvin Bagley (shoulder) also doubtful, Moussa Cisse (two-way) could see more action, potentially entering the starting lineup for the second time this season.
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Mavericks' Daniel Gafford: Ruled out for Friday
Rotowire
Gafford (shoulder) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Spurs.
As expected after being listed as doubtful, Gafford will miss his third consecutive game due to a right shoulder impingement. With Gafford sidelined once again, Marvin Bagley is heavily favored to draw another start at center, while Dwight Powell should also continue to see rotational minutes behind him.
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Mavericks' Daniel Gafford: Unlikely to play Friday
Rotowire
Gafford is doubtful for Friday's game versus San Antonio.
The Mavericks expect Gafford to miss a third straight game due to a right shoulder impingement. Marvin Bagley should start at center Friday, making him a worthwhile streaming candidate in all fantasy leagues after posting at least 20 points and eight rebounds in three of his past four appearances.
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