Gafford's ankle upgrade injects hope for the shorthanded Mavericks. Will he anchor the paint in Mexico City's crucial matchup?
MEXICO CITY — The Dallas Mavericks might finally be getting some size back in their lineup. Daniel Gafford has been upgraded to questionable ahead of Saturday’s NBA Mexico City Game 2025 against the Detroit Pistons. After missing the first five games of the season with a right ankle sprain, Gafford participated in portions of Friday’s practice at Arena Ciudad de México, marking his most significant on-court progress since training camp.
The 27-year-old center suffered the injury on the first day of camp in Vancouver and has been sidelined ever since. He was close to returning for Dallas’ Oct. 25 game against the Washington Wizards but was held out after experiencing renewed soreness.
“He did some stuff today. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow,” head coach Jason Kidd said at the time, emphasizing that the team would continue to take a careful approach.
The Mavericks have leaned heavily on Dwight Powell and P.J. Washington to cover the frontcourt in Gafford’s absence. Both have filled in admirably, but Dallas has missed Gafford’s rim protection and rebounding, areas that were exposed in early-season losses — including the opener against San Antonio when Victor Wembanyama scored 40 points and grabbed 15 rebounds.
Anthony Davis remains out after an MRI revealed a low-grade left calf strain. He sustained the injury in the first quarter of Wednesday’s 107–105 win over the Indiana Pacers and will miss both games on the current road trip — Saturday in Mexico City and Monday in Houston — before being re-evaluated next week. Davis has averaged 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in five games this season.
Dereck Lively II is also sidelined with a right knee sprain, leaving Dallas without both of its top centers for the past two games. The Mavericks have adjusted by using smaller lineups, with Washington frequently sliding to center. However, Dwight Powell has stepped into rotation minutes when necessary — finishing with 18 points, six rebounds, and two blocks against Indiana.
D’Angelo Russell was also added to the injury report Friday with a left knee contusion. He played through the injury against Indiana but is now considered questionable. With both Kyrie Irving and Danté Exum still sidelined, Cooper Flagg could again see extended time at point guard, with Brandon Williams and Ryan Nembhard handling secondary ball-handling duties.
The Mavericks’ 2–3 start has included flashes of potential from Flagg, who continues to adjust to NBA speed and responsibility. The No. 1 overall pick has been tested early, even shifting between guard and forward roles amid injuries across the roster.
“I think we have a baseline now, something to work from and grow from,” Flagg said. “Obviously, we need to get better in a lot of different areas. But we know the steps we need to take moving forward.”
Kidd praised Flagg’s composure under pressure despite being asked to do more than most players his age.
“He’s used to the pressure,” Kidd said. “For him, I think he’s getting better each time he’s in there. He makes big plays down the stretch.”
Saturday’s game will mark the Mavericks’ fourth regular-season appearance in Mexico City — the most by any franchise — and their second meeting there with the Pistons. The teams last faced off in Mexico in 2019, when Dallas won 122–111.
“It’s something incredible for the Mavs organization to come so many times,” Kidd said. “It shows how important Mexico is, and it’s great to bring enjoyment to the fans.”
The Pistons enter the matchup coming off a 131–115 home win over the Orlando Magic, led by Cade Cunningham’s 31 points. Jalen Duren added 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Tobias Harris scored 23. Detroit will be without Jaden Ivey, who is sidelined following arthroscopic knee surgery.
Tipoff for Saturday’s NBA Mexico City Game 2025 between the Mavericks and Pistons is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST at Arena Ciudad de México.