The Dallas Mavericks are grappling with a significant setback as Daniel Gafford, their key center, has been ruled out for at least six weeks. Gafford sustained a Grade 3 sprain of the MCL in his right knee during Monday's loss to the Sacramento Kings. This injury compounds the Mavs' struggles post-All-Star break, as they will be without their top three big men for an extended period.
Gafford's injury is a substantial blow to the Mavericks, who are already dealing with the absence of Anthony Davis and Dwight Powell. Davis, who suffered a left adductor strain during his debut game for Dallas, is expected to be sidelined for at least four weeks. The Mavs are taking a cautious approach to his recovery to ensure he returns to full strength. Meanwhile, Powell has missed the last 14 games owing to a strained hip, further depleting the team's roster.
In response to these injuries, the Mavericks have turned to Kessler Edwards to fill the void at center. Edwards, a 6-foot-7 two-way player, started in recent games against formidable opponents like the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat. Remarkably, the Mavs secured back-to-back victories with Edwards in the starting lineup, showcasing resilience despite their injury woes.
The Mavericks announced that Gafford will be re-evaluated in two weeks. However, his absence, along with that of Davis and Powell, presents a significant challenge for the team as they navigate the rest of the season. The severity of Gafford's injury highlights the team's need to adapt and find alternative strategies to maintain their competitive edge.
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