Brutal Daniel Gafford injury update drops at worst possible time for Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks closed out a thrilling back-to-back stretch at home with two hard-fought victories. Wednesday night featured a Kyrie Irving masterpiece as he dropped 42 points—without a single assist—in a nail-biter against the Golden State Warriors, sealing a 111-107 win. The next night, with Irving and Klay Thompson sitting out due to rest, adding to the team’s growing injury concerns, the Mavericks leaned on a collective effort to outlast the Miami Heat 118-113.

Thursday's win highlighted the Mavericks’ “next man up” mentality, with Dante Exum breaking out for a season-high 27 points and four assists, finally finding his rhythm. Meanwhile, Max Christie continued his impressive stretch of consistency, finishing with 19 points and further solidifying his growing role on the team. The two victories showcased Dallas’ resilience, but the effort has come at a cost, as injuries continue to pile up for the already-depleted roster.

Gafford's knee injury is much more serious than initially expected

Daniel Gafford’s injury news is a gut punch for the Mavericks. He has been one of the most healthy bigs on the roster all season long, and it looks like Kylor Kelley is going to be the only healthy center for the extended future.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Gafford suffered a Grade 3 right MCL sprain during the team’s overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings on February 10. At the time, the injury didn’t appear overly significant, but further evaluation revealed the extent of the damage. Now, Gafford is expected to miss at least six weeks, dealing a major blow to the Mavericks’ frontcourt rotation.

This news comes at a critical moment for the Mavs, who are already without Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II for extended periods. Gafford’s absence creates a glaring void in rim protection and rebounding, areas where the Mavericks have leaned on him all season. With the team fighting to stay competitive in a stacked Western Conference, his injury adds yet another layer of adversity for Dallas to overcome.

Additionally, Gafford’s injury only adds another layer of difficulty for Mavericks fans. Still reeling from the emotional fallout of the Luka Doncic trade, tensions between the fan base and the front office are at an all-time high. Losing key players like Gafford, Davis, and Lively II for significant stretches only amplifies the frustration.

With the playoffs looming, the Mavericks’ growing injury list feels like a cruel twist of fate. Fans are questioning the team’s readiness for this pivotal stretch, and the added strain of these absences only deepens the cracks in an already fragile relationship between supporters and the organization.

Despite the injuries, the Mavericks remain hopeful that they can still make a push for the playoffs. The hope is that Gafford’s return, along with a fully healthy roster down the stretch, will give them a fighting chance to right the ship. Until then, the team must rely on its depth and the “next man up” mentality to weather the storm and keep their playoff aspirations alive

The road ahead won’t be easy, but the Mavericks are determined to navigate the storm and prove that they’re still a contender despite the adversity they’ve faced. Stay tuned for more news on the Dallas Mavericks.