Daniel Gafford

Gafford played 19 minutes on Sunday, and none during the fourth quarter. That was enough time for the veteran center to do what fantasy managers expect: shoot a high percentage from the field and block a few shots. While the Mavericks have options behind Gafford, including rookie Morez Johnson Jr. (4/9/1 in 19 minutes), those rostering DG don’t have much to worry about until Dereck Lively II is cleared to return from his foot injury.

The Kings struggled to find an answer for Gafford in the second quarter, when he tied his career-high for points in a quarter with 11. He didn’t produce much in the second half, but many fantasy managers will take that final stat line from DG. With Dereck Lively II and Santi Aldama still sidelined, Gafford has played nearly 24 minutes per game. And so far, his production has exceeded his preseason ADP by a safe distance.

It was a very good performance from Gafford in this one despite being dunked on by Kevin Durant. It is notable that in the final couple minutes, he did roll his right ankle, was limping and was helped to the locker room. He did come back a minute later but it is something to monitor if he pops up on the injury report at some point.

Gafford appeared to tweak something in his lower body during the first half of Saturday’s game, but he wasn’t on the bench long before returning. The veteran center’s final line lacked only a three-pointer, but no one expects Gafford to add value in that category. After two underwhelming performances to start the season, Gafford needed a night like Saturday, as did those who still roster him.

Both bigs were initially doubtful for this game, and they have now officially been ruled out. Moussa Cissé and Dwight Powell should fill the minutes at center for the season finale. Gafford’s fantasy value in 2026-27 probably depends a lot on how healthy Dereck Lively is, but he has a chance to produce if given a path to major playing time.

Sunday’s game won’t impact anything beyond draft lottery odds, so the Mavericks are likely to put out a rotation that lacks most of the team’s proven players. With Gafford and Bagley considered doubtful for the regular season finale, Moussa Cissé should play plenty with veteran Dwight Powell also available to log rotation minutes at the five.

Gafford will miss a third straight game, though this time, it’s due to rest. Marvin Bagley III should be in line for another start. He enters this game having scored at least 20 points in back-to-back games.

Gafford has missed the Mavericks’ last two games, and he’s likely to miss a third on Friday. The good news is that the reason is rest, not the right shoulder injury he suffered during Sunday’s win over the Lakers. Marvin Bagley III should remain in the starting lineup, making him an appealing option for those in active fantasy leagues.

Gafford will miss his second game in as many days, as the Mavericks gear up for the second game of a back-to-back on Wednesday. Gafford has dealt with injuries all season long, appearing in only 55 games this season. His absence should lead to more minutes for Marvin Bagley III.

Gafford will miss a second straight game after sustaining a shoulder injury on Sunday, and Marvin Bagley should get the start in his absence. Moussa Cisse could provide some useful minutes off the bench.

Gafford’s right shoulder impingement will keep him out of Tuesday’s game. Marvin Bagley III is available and should move into the starting lineup.

Gafford exited early on Sunday and is expected to remain out against LA. Marvin Bagley (shoulder) is questionable, but if he plays, he’ll fill out the starting center spot. If not, Dwight Powell and Moussa Cisse will split the minutes down low.

Gafford strained his right shoulder while reeling in a rebound during the second half of Sunday’s game. He walked back to the locker room almost immediately and has been ruled out for the rest of the night. If Gafford misses time, Marvin Bagley III would be the next man up in the starting lineup.

Gafford injured his right shoulder during Tuesday’s loss to the Bucks, but his name is not on the injury report for Friday. The same can be said for Marshall, who did not play at all. Both are worth slotting into fantasy lineups, especially with P.J. Washington and Marvin Bagley III trending toward sitting. Gafford being available means fewer opportunities for Moussa Cissé, who is not guaranteed to be active as a two-way contract player.

Gafford exited early with a right shoulder stinger and won’t be available to close out this game. Dwight Powell started the second half in his place, though Moussa Cisse should take on extra minutes as well.

Gafford returned to the rotation on Monday following a two-game absence as he dealt with a shoulder injury. He thrived in his return, finishing two rebounds shy of a double in his 24 minutes of action, while also being the only Mavericks player to reach 20 points. Aside from poor free-throw shooting, there isn’t much to be critical of when strictly examining the box score. If available for the second game of a back-to-back against the Bucks, Gafford could be in for another good performance.

Gafford is good to go after missing a few games with a shoulder injury. He’ll return to the starting lineup, but with Marvin Bagley III out, Dwight Powell will serve as the backup.

Gafford left Monday’s game against the Warriors with a right shoulder sprain and hasn’t played since. That seems likely to change Monday against the Timberwolves as the 27-year-old center is listed as probable. Expect Gafford back in the starting lineup, which will send Marvin Bagley III back to the bench.

Gafford left Monday’s game against the Warriors with a right shoulder sprain and was subsequently ruled out for Wednesday’s game against the Nuggets. Marvin Bagley III is a prime candidate for more minutes and usage in Gafford’s absence Wednesday.

Gafford exited early on Monday with this right shoulder sprain that could force him to miss Wednesday’s game against Denver. In that scenario, Marvin Bagley III would take on extra minutes at center, with Moussa Cisse and Dwight Powell filling out the other minutes down low.