Mavericks Gain Momentum with Gafford’s Return Ahead of Playoff Push

Dallas, TX — The Dallas Mavericks are poised to strengthen their playoff chances as center Daniel Gafford makes his long-awaited return to the court. After being sidelined since February 10 due to a knee injury, Gafford is set to play with a minute restriction of 15 to 20 when Dallas hosts the Brooklyn Nets Monday at the American Airlines Center. Coach Jason Kidd confirmed Gafford’s return during a pregame press conference labeled as crucial to the team’s playoff aspirations.

The Mavericks enter the game with a renewed sense of hope as they vie for the ninth place in the Western Conference. Having won four of their last five games, Dallas holds a two-game lead over the eleventh-place Phoenix Suns, who have lost three consecutive games. The Suns will be without 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant for at least a week due to a left ankle sprain, presenting an opportunity for the Mavericks to solidify their position.

<p“Daniel's return is a big boost for our team,” Kidd said. “We’ve struggled with rebounding in his absence, and with him back, we hope to correct that.” Gafford, who stands at 6’10”, averages 12.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and leads the team with 1.9 blocks per game. Dallas is 9-12 without him.

While Gafford’s return is promising, fellow center Dereck Lively II remains sidelined with an ankle injury sustained earlier in the season. Lively is listed as questionable but is “trending” toward returning later this week. His absence has limited the Mavericks’ options in the frontcourt; however, Kai Jones has stepped up, scoring in double figures in five of his last seven games, making him an asset during this challenging stretch.

Anthony Davis, who joined the team in a controversial trade that sent Luka Doncic to Los Angeles, will also play against the Nets under a minutes cap of 25 to 28. Since his acquisition, Davis has averaged 17.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.5 blocks over four games. This matchup against Brooklyn marks Davis’s second home game with the Mavericks, following a standout debut where he posted 26 points and 16 rebounds.

The return of Gafford and the potential for Lively’s recovery could transform the Mavericks’ capabilities as they continue to push for a play-in tournament spot. The team has been battling injury challenges, with various players sidelined, making their current position admirable. Kidd has noted the challenges of maintaining a full roster but remains optimistic.

“It’s been tough with injuries, but the guys have shown great resilience and fight,” Kidd said. “We are fortunate to still be in the hunt and looking forward to getting our bigs back on the floor.”

As the Mavericks face the Nets, they anticipate Gafford’s return will help address recent rebounding issues, with the team having been outrebounded in three of their last four games. Their most recent contest featured a 56-41 disadvantage on the boards.

Following the matchup against Brooklyn, Dallas is set to host the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday before traveling to Los Angeles to face the Clippers in a back-to-back series next weekend. As of now, the Mavericks sit at 36-38, firmly in the tenth spot in the West and battling for ultimate playoff positioning.