Dallas Basketball

Mavericks receive positive injury updates on Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford

Dallas' entire front court has been dealing with injuries, but seem to be turning the corner.

Keenan Womack

Feb 27, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis laughs during a timeout against the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Feb 27, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis laughs during a timeout against the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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The Mavericks have received a positive update on several injured players in their front court, including Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford. Dallas has struggled mightily in the paint since losing all three of their options at the five, but may be returning some of these players sooner rather than later.

READ MORE: NBA analyst proposes Mavericks-Suns trade for Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson

Davis has been cleared for more on-court activity. The primary asset received in the Luka Doncic trade with the LA Lakers, Davis has been sidelined since his first game with his new franchise after playing a dominant three quarters. In order for the Mavericks to make any kind of playoff push, Davis is a crucial part of their team's lineup.

As for Dereck Lively II, who has been injured for the last 20+ games with a stress fracture in his right ankle, has been making progress according to the source. He as well as Davis will now be evaluated weekly as they attempt to return to the team before they are too far out of playoff contention to make a move towards the top 10 teams in the West.

The third injured center, Daniel Gafford, who has missed the last nine games with a knee sprain in his right leg, will be evaluated in two weeks after showing more progress recently.

The Mavericks are one of the most injured teams in the entire NBA, and will need some level of luck in order to compete for a spot in the Western Conference playoffs. It will require the return of multiple of these starters to maintain their spot as the 10-seed in the West, so these updates are good news.

READ MORE: Should the Dallas Mavericks trade Anthony Davis this summer?

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Keenan Womack
KEENAN WOMACK

Keenan Womack is a sportswriter native to Dallas, Texas, who has spent the last 12 years in Austin, the home of his alma mater, the University of Texas. Keenan has covered sports for SB Nation, Bleacher Report, Rivals/Orangebloods, a host of his own sites and now, Fan Nation. Focusing on basketball, Keenan was on the beat for the Longhorns hoops team for the last two-and-a-half years before moving on to pursue other opportunities. He is married and lives with his wife close to the Moody Center, so they can continue to catch games together.

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