The Dallas Mavericks could face significant frontcourt uncertainty Monday night as they prepare to face the Utah Jazz, with Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford both listed as questionable following Friday’s 119-111 win over the Brooklyn Nets.

Davis is dealing with a left calf contusion after logging heavy two-way minutes in Friday’s win over the Brooklyn Nets. Davis has averaged 20.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 11 games this season and has frequently been tasked with extended minutes at center amid ongoing frontcourt injuries.

Daniel Gafford is also listed as questionable due to right ankle injury management. Gafford has averaged 8.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 15 games and has missed time recently as the team continues to manage the ankle issue that has lingered since training camp.

Davis and Gafford have been central figures in Dallas’ rotation this season, and their availability looms large as the Mavericks look to build on recent momentum after winning five of their last six games.

Anthony Davis’ Status Looms Large After Heavy Two-Way Load

Davis played a pivotal role in Friday’s win, finishing with 24 points, 14 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks while anchoring Dallas’ defense during a decisive fourth-quarter stretch. As Kyrie Irving remains sidelined as he recovers from ACL surgery, Davis is frequently carrying a heavy workload offensively in addition to playing extended minutes at center with Dereck Lively II sidelined ahead of undergoing surgery on his right foot.

Following the game, head coach Jason Kidd acknowledged the challenge of managing Davis’ workload, particularly coming off a six-day layoff.

“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. It’s hard when you have that much time off, but I thought the group did a really good job.”

Daniel Gafford’s Ankle Management Remains a Factor

Gafford has missed multiple games recently due to right ankle injury management and remains questionable for Monday. Dallas has taken a cautious approach with Gafford since training camp, mindful of aggravating an ankle injury that has flared up multiple times dating back to the start of the season.

If either Davis or Gafford is unable to play, the Mavericks’ interior rotation would again be forced to adapt.

Dwight Powell, Moussa Cissé Among Frontcourt Options

In the event of absences in the frontcourt, Dallas can lean on Dwight Powell, who has already been asked to shoulder increased responsibility this season. Powell logged 15 minutes against Brooklyn, providing seven points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block.

The Mavericks also have Moussa Cissé as a potential option on a two-way contract. Cissé played with the Texas Legends on Saturday after not earning rotation minutes recently at the NBA level. It remains unclear whether Dallas would activate him for extended run, particularly as the organization may look to preserve his remaining two-way eligibility days.

Dallas has not indicated a firm plan, but the frontcourt rotation could again be fluid depending on final injury designations.

Guard Rotation Holds Steady as D’Angelo Russell Remains Out

While frontcourt availability is the primary concern, Dallas will again be without D’Angelo Russell, who is expected to miss a second straight game due to illness. Russell has averaged 11.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 21 games this season.

In his absence, Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams have taken on increased responsibility in the backcourt. Williams, in particular, played a central role in Friday’s clutch win, while Nembhard has continued to manage the offense and organize the team through pressure.

Kidd praised the group’s collective approach following the Nets game.

“I thought the ball movement was great,” Kidd said. “We were making plays for teammates instead of ourselves.”

Play-In Implications Add Weight to Injury Decisions

The Mavericks enter Monday’s matchup 10th in the Western Conference at 10-16, sitting 14 games behind the conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder. Utah enters in a similar position at 9-15, also 14 games back of the Thunder, making the game a direct meeting between two teams navigating the play-in race.

With both teams dealing with injuries and rotation uncertainty, Dallas’ final injury report will carry added significance as it looks to maintain momentum while balancing long-term health.

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