What Mavericks forward Daniel Gafford said about stepping up in Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II's injury absences.

With Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II sidelined, Daniel Gafford is stepping up as the Mavericks’ anchor in the paint amid a rough start to their 2025–26 season.

The Dallas Mavericks have revenge on their minds against the Washington Wizards on Saturday night (someone save us). It's the second night of a back-to-back as they're on the road against after losing in Memphis against the lifeless Grizzlies on Friday night. And because it's a back-to-back, the Mavs could be down some important pieces.

Dirk Nowitzki did not hold back when recently discussing the Mavericks ugly 2-7 start to the 2025-26 campaign.

Dallas center Daniel Gafford will return from an ankle injury Saturday as the Mavericks take on the Detroit Pistons in Mexico City, bolstering a frontcourt missing All-Star Anthony Davis.

The Dallas Mavericks are a dumpster fire right now. They're 2-7 entering Saturday's game on the road against the Washington Wizards, a team they've already lost to, on the second night of a back-to-back. And if they can't find a way to win this game, it may be a long time before the next win, because the schedule is daunting.