Dallas could have 2 players back for the Knicks game
The Dallas Mavericks (4-11) are still waiting for Anthony Davis to return from a calf strain, but their frontcourt has already received significant reinforcements. Daniel Gafford and Derek Lively II shared the court for the first time this season in Friday’s doubleheader loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, and although they sat out Monday’s loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the two big men are expected to be in action Wednesday against the New York Knicks.
Gafford and Lively are listed as probable for the home opener, according to the NBA’s latest injury report, giving fans hope that the Mavs can hold off against one of the favorites to win the Eastern Conference. Dallas decided to sit the duo out against the Wolves after Sunday’s OT win over the Portland Trail Blazers, an unfortunate but potentially necessary measure the team uses to protect more injury-prone players.
Ideally, they will be fresh for this upcoming showdown between East and West. Mavericks fans are bracing themselves for another disastrous season, but if they can maintain a strong presence in the paint, perhaps revival is still possible. Davis and Kyrie Irving are obviously the main stars of the team, but Gafford and Lively are the X-factors. They add physicality and versatility inside, allowing Dallas to develop a strong defensive identity. Can any player stay healthy?
Daniel Gafford missed the start of the campaign after suffering an ankle injury in training camp. In nine games, he averaged 10.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. Derek Lively II, who suffered a sprained knee three games into the season, has had a fairly light workload thus far. He is averaging 4.4 points, 4.6 points, 2.0 assists and 1.4 blocks in 16.0 minutes per contest.
If both can stay active for an extended period of time, the Mavericks could at least have a fig treehting chance in the Western Conference. They will have to be sharp against the up-and-coming Knickerbockers. Tip-off is scheduled for Wednesday at 9:30 PM ET.
2025-11-19 00:24:00
