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Mavericks Announce Unfortunate Update Amid Anthony Davis' Absence

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Nov 8, 2025 12:52 AM ET

As if Anthony Davis' absence weren't problematic enough, the Dallas Mavericks might have just lost another big man to injury.

The Mavs dropped to 2-7 on the season after their loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. Dallas trailed by as many as 35 points and simply had no answer for Ja Morant and rookie Cedric Coward, who each scored 21 points.

Making matters worse for the Mavericks, center Daniel Gafford left the game in the third quarter and didn't return. According to reports, the 27-year-old NBA veteran suffered from right ankle soreness.

Gafford played 12 minutes and grabbed only one rebound in the 118-104 loss.

In his postgame presser, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd confirmed Gafford's injury and shared that it's still uncertain whether he'll play against the Washington Wizards on Saturday.

"Yeah, sore right ankle," Kidd shared, per Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal. "We’ll see how he feels in D.C. That’s just the nature of this thing."

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) looks on during a game at the American Airlines Center.Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Prior to Friday's injury, Gafford was averaging 12.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. While he didn't have the best game against the Grizzlies during his time on the court, there's no denying that he's a vital piece for Dallas.

His presence is now more important than ever, especially since it's not only Davis who's sidelined for Dallas. It's worth noting that Dereck Lively II also remains out with a right knee sprain.

If Gafford ends up missing the game against the Wizards and beyond, the Mavs will be extremely thin in the frontcourt. Dwight Powell and two-way contract player Moussa Cisse are their only healthy centers, while P.J. Washington is the only healthy power forward.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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