Mavericks’ Gafford Available Against Lakers Following Injury Management

DALLAS, Texas — Daniel Gafford is set to play in Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers after being removed from the injury report. Gafford, who sat out the previous game against the Los Angeles Clippers as part of a workload management strategy for his knee, is now cleared for action and aims to contribute significantly for the Mavericks.

Since returning from a lengthy absence, Gafford has averaged 10.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 0.7 assists, and 0.3 blocks in just over 19 minutes per game. His shooting percentage has been impressive at 66.7 percent from the field.

The Dallas Mavericks have been managing Gafford’s minutes cautiously, as they aim to keep their roster healthy for the postseason push. Head coach Jason Kidd commented, “We have to be smart about how we utilize Daniel, especially with him coming back from injury. His contributions are vital for us.”

In Gafford’s absence on Saturday, fellow big man Dereck Lively could see a return to the second unit against the Lakers. His performance will be crucial, especially as the Mavericks continue to navigate through a challenging season marked by injuries.

“The team is working hard to stay competitive in the playoff race despite the challenges,” said forward Klay Thompson. “With players like Daniel and Dereck, we have options to lean on. We believe we can make a strong push for a playoff spot.”

Currently, the Mavericks hold a 38-39 record and sit in ninth place in the Western Conference, just 2.5 games ahead of the 11th-place team. This positioning keeps their hopes alive for a Play-In Tournament berth. If they qualify, they will need to win two road games to secure a playoff position.

“We’re still in this together, and we know how important each game is moving forward,” Gafford said. “I’m ready to play, and we’re all focused on making the most of every moment.”