The Dallas Mavericks’ frontcourt is facing a crisis as injuries continue to mount. The latest blow came during Monday’s game against the Sacramento Kings, when center Daniel Gafford went down with a knee injury in the second quarter. Gafford, who was setting a screen for Spencer Dinwiddie, collapsed on contact and had to be helped off the floor.
The Mavericks quickly ruled him out with a right knee sprain. An MRI revealed that Gafford has a Grade 3 sprain of the MCL in his right knee, which will keep him out for at least six weeks. This is a significant setback for the Mavericks, who are already dealing with injuries to Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Dwight Powell.
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Davis, who made his debut with the Mavericks on Saturday, suffered an adductor strain and is expected to be out for multiple weeks. Lively II is recovering from a right ankle stress fracture, and Powell has been out for 14 games due to a hip injury.
When it rains it pours
With Gafford’s injury, the Mavericks are left with a dire situation in the frontcourt. The team has had to rely on 6-foot-7 Kessler Edwards at center, with rookie Kylor Kelley as his backup. Edwards started in the two games following Gafford’s injury, but the lack of depth and experience in the frontcourt is a major concern for the Mavericks as they try to stay competitive in the ultra-competitive Western Conference.
The Mavericks are currently in eighth place in the Western Conference with a record of 30-26, but they are only three games ahead of the 11th-place Phoenix Suns. Without Gafford, Davis, Lively II, and Powell, the team will have to lean heavily on Kyrie Irving and their defense to stay afloat. The All-Star break is approaching, which will give the Mavericks some much-needed rest and time to regroup.
The Mavericks’ injury woes are a significant challenge as they navigate the remainder of the season. The team will need to find creative solutions and rely on their remaining healthy players to stay competitive. The return of Gafford, Davis, Lively II, and Powell will be crucial for the Mavericks’ playoff aspirations.
