The Dallas Mavericks’ injury situation remains fluid ahead of Saturday’s NBA Mexico City Game 2025 against the Detroit Pistons, but there’s optimism surrounding Daniel Gafford’s progress. The center has been upgraded to questionable after missing the team’s first five games with a right ankle sprain, while D’Angelo Russell was added to the injury report as questionable with a left knee contusion.

Gafford sustained the ankle injury on the first day of training camp and has been sidelined since. He participated in portions of practice Friday at Arena Ciudad de México, signaling potential readiness to return. His availability will be determined closer to game time.

His return would provide a boost for a Mavericks team that has leaned on Dwight Powell and P.J. Washington in the frontcourt since Anthony Davis’ calf injury. Gafford averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks last season.

D’Angelo Russell Added to Injury Report

Russell was added to the injury report after sustaining a left knee contusion in Wednesday’s 107–105 win over the Indiana Pacers. He played through the injury but was listed as questionable on Friday’s update. Dallas remains without Kyrie Irving and Danté Exum due to injuries.

Russell has averaged 10.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in five games this season, providing a steady offensive presence and playmaking in the backcourt. If he is unable to play,

Dallas could again turn to Cooper Flagg at point guard, with Brandon Williams and Ryan Nembhard also expected to share more ball-handling responsibilities.

The Mavericks’ backcourt stepped up in Wednesday’s win, overcoming a 14-point deficit despite multiple absences. Williams scored a team-high 20 points, Powell added 18 points and six rebounds, and Flagg contributed 15 points and 10 rebounds for his second double-double of the season.

Dallas’ bench combined for 64 points — its highest total this year — while the win snapped a three-game losing streak.

Anthony Davis Remains Out With Calf Strain

Anthony Davis remains out after an MRI revealed a low-grade left calf strain. The injury occurred during the first quarter of Wednesday’s game against Indiana, where Davis played seven minutes before being ruled out.

The Mavericks announced that Davis will miss both games on the current road trip — Saturday in Mexico City and Monday in Houston — before being re-evaluated upon returning to Dallas. He has averaged 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in five games this season.

Davis traveled with the team and participated in light on-court work Friday but will not play in either matchup. His absence, combined with Dereck Lively II’s right knee sprain, continues to challenge Dallas’ frontcourt rotation early in the season.

Dallas Mavericks Prepare for NBA Mexico City Game 2025

Saturday’s matchup marks the Mavericks’ fourth regular-season game played in Mexico City — the most by any franchise — and the 15th overall in the city’s history. The event highlights the NBA’s continued efforts to expand its international reach and fan engagement in Latin America.

Dallas completed its season-opening homestand with a 2–3 record following Wednesday’s win over Indiana. The team now begins its first road trip of the year, facing Detroit before concluding the trip in Houston.

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