The Dallas Mavericks are riding a wave of momentum, having won five of their last six games, but they’re heading into Monday night’s matchup against the Utah Jazz with some serious question marks in the frontcourt. Both Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford are listed as questionable, and their potential absence could shake up the rotation in a game that carries real weight in the Western Conference play-in race.
Anthony Davis’ Heavy Load Could Catch Up
Anthony Davis has been doing it all for Dallas lately. In Friday’s 119-111 win over the Brooklyn Nets, he turned in a classic two-way performance: 24 points, 14 rebounds, three steals, three blocks.
He was everywhere, especially in the fourth quarter when the Mavericks needed stops and stability. With Kyrie Irving still sidelined as he recovers from ACL surgery and Dereck Lively II out after undergoing foot surgery, Davis has taken on a massive role - not just as a scorer, but as the defensive anchor.
But that kind of workload comes with a price. Davis is now listed as questionable with a left calf contusion, and it’s no surprise considering the minutes he’s been logging at center.
Head coach Jason Kidd acknowledged after the Nets game that managing Davis’ minutes is a challenge, especially coming off a six-day layoff. Still, Kidd made it clear: Davis is the heart of what they’re doing on both ends.
“He’s huge for us,” Kidd said. “As much as we look at him on the offensive end, defensively we need him to block shots, come up with steals, and change shots.”
If Davis can’t go Monday, Dallas will be missing not just a stat-stuffer, but the glue that’s held their frontcourt together during a stretch of injuries.
Gafford’s Ankle Still a Concern
Daniel Gafford is also questionable, still dealing with right ankle injury management. The Mavericks have taken a cautious approach with Gafford since training camp, and that ankle has continued to flare up throughout the season. He’s averaged 8.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks over 15 games - solid production from a player who’s often tasked with doing the dirty work down low.
With Gafford’s status still up in the air, Dallas could be facing a scenario where both of their primary big men are unavailable. That would force the coaching staff to get creative - again.
Powell, Cissé Could Be Called Into Action
If Davis and Gafford are sidelined, expect Dwight Powell to see a bigger role. He gave Dallas some solid minutes against Brooklyn - 15 in total - and chipped in with seven points, three rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block. He’s been in this position before and knows what’s expected when his number is called.
Another name to watch is Moussa Cissé, who’s on a two-way contract. He’s been active with the Texas Legends and hasn’t seen much NBA action lately, but depending on how things shake out, Dallas might need to tap into its depth. Whether the team activates Cissé for meaningful minutes remains to be seen, especially with two-way eligibility days in mind.
Backcourt Holding Steady Without D’Angelo Russell
While the frontcourt is in flux, the backcourt has found a bit of a rhythm despite missing D’Angelo Russell, who’s out for a second straight game due to illness. Russell has been a steady contributor this season, averaging 11.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists over 21 games.
In his absence, Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams have stepped up. Williams played a key role in Friday’s win, especially in crunch time, while Nembhard continues to manage the offense with poise. Kidd praised the group’s approach after the win over Brooklyn, noting the unselfish play that’s helped keep the offense flowing.
“I thought the ball movement was great,” Kidd said. “We were making plays for teammates instead of ourselves.”
Stakes Are Rising in the Play-In Race
At 10-16, Dallas sits 10th in the Western Conference, tied with Utah in the standings and both teams trailing the conference-leading Thunder by 14 games. That makes Monday’s game more than just a mid-December matchup - it’s a head-to-head battle between two teams jockeying for position in the play-in race.
In a tight race like this, every game matters. And when you’re dealing with injuries to key rotation players, the margin for error shrinks even more. The Mavericks have found ways to win lately, but their ability to keep that momentum going could hinge on the health of Davis and Gafford.
If they’re out, Dallas will need to lean on its depth, trust its system, and hope the next-man-up mentality continues to deliver.