As Physicality Increases, Gafford's Status Remains Uncertain

The Dallas Mavericks are gearing up for a physical battle in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers, but they may have to face it without one of their key players. Daniel Gafford, the team’s starting center, suffered a lower-back injury during Game 2 and did not practice on Thursday, leaving his status for Friday’s pivotal game in question.

While the Mavericks have already ruled out Tim Hardaway Jr. due to a sprained right ankle, the uncertainty surrounding Gafford’s availability adds another layer of complexity to an already intense series that has seen its fair share of physicality.

“It’s going to be physical all the way to the end,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said. “That’s just the way this series is set up. Who can absorb it and who can embrace it is the one that has come out on top. And it’s going to be physical (in Game 3).”

If Gafford is unable to suit up or is limited, the Mavericks will have to rely more heavily on their frontcourt depth. Rookie Dereck Lively II, who had an impressive outing in Game 2 with seven points and nine rebounds in 21 minutes off the bench, will likely see an increased role. Maxi Kleber, who has been a reliable presence off the bench, will also be called upon to shoulder a bigger load.

Kidd expressed confidence in his team’s ability to adapt, saying, “We’re not asking them (Kleber or Lively) to do anything different. And we can also look at some other guys to step into that role, too.”

The Mavericks have options in Dwight Powell and Markieff Morris, but Kleber’s versatility and experience make him the preferred option, especially in crunch time.

“He always tends to be a positive on the floor defensively,” Kidd said of Kleber. “And then offensively, he’s making the right plays. In the fourth quarter, he made big plays. And then offensively, he made a big three. And also being the quarterback coming out of the double teams and finding the right guy. He’s done that for us in this series.”

As the series progresses, the physical nature of the game is expected to intensify, and the Mavericks will need to embrace it and match the Clippers’ energy. Kleber acknowledged the physicality but emphasized the importance of playing within the rules.

“I don’t know on a scale, but it’s been pretty physical,” Kleber said. “They let you get away with a lot of things on both sides. That’s what they talk about when they say playoff basketball. We just got to match the energy every time and play physical.”

While Gafford’s potential absence is a concern, the Mavericks have shown resilience and depth throughout the season. With players like Lively and Kleber stepping up, they remain confident in their ability to compete and potentially take control of the series.

As the series shifts to Dallas, the Mavericks will need to channel their collective toughness and embrace the physical nature of the playoffs. Whether Gafford is available or not, the team’s focus remains on winning and doing whatever it takes to emerge victorious in this intense battle.