With Dereck Lively II sidelined for the remainder of the season, Dallas is expected to rely more on Daniel Gafford in the middle, but that plan has been complicated by Gafford’s own health issues.
As Mike Curtis reports, the center has been battling a lingering right ankle sprain that he has re-aggravated multiple times, forcing the Mavericks to be cautious with his availability and workload.
Gafford returned to action Monday after missing three straight games, though his role was clearly restricted. He logged just 13 minutes in an overtime loss, as Dallas was also without Anthony Davis due to a left calf contusion.
The limited usage reflected the team’s attempt to balance immediate needs with Gafford’s long-term health.
Ahead of his return, Gafford acknowledged the challenge of navigating that balance.
“It’s a bit of a balanced scale,” he said. “I want to be out there on the floor as much as I can. But at the same time, you have to listen to your body, especially through the course of a season.
“I just want to come back and be able to do the things I’m able to do out there on the floor and make an impact. I don’t want to be out there being a liability and hurting the team more than helping them.”
Injury Notes: Morant, Clarke, Gafford, LaVine, Green https://t.co/eOh29LcUuv pic.twitter.com/pJvdUylzyH
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) December 16, 2025
