The Dallas Mavericks are making a crucial push towards the play-in tournament with the anticipated return of center Daniel Gafford, who will play against the Brooklyn Nets after missing significant time due to a knee injury. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd confirmed Gafford will have a minutes restriction of 15-20. However, fellow center Dereck Lively II remains sidelined but is trending towards a return.

Dallas is currently sitting comfortably above the 11th-place Phoenix Suns, who are struggling without 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant. Gafford's presence will help stabilize a frontcourt that has been plagued by injuries. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis, acquired in the trade that sent Luka Doncic to Los Angeles, also returns but will be limited to 25-28 minutes against the Nets. Despite adversity, Kai Jones has stepped up significantly, averaging double-digits in recent games.

Jason Kidd provided an update regarding the Dallas Mavericks' big men, noting a positive practice session with their G League affiliate. Anthony Davis participated in five-on-five drills, while Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II engaged in three-on-three games as they recover from injuries. Although no fixed timeline is set for their return, Davis is now doubtful for the upcoming game against the Brooklyn Nets. The Mavericks, currently vying for a playoff spot, aim to stay competitive during his absence, with players like Spencer Dinwiddie focusing on maintaining the team's momentum.

As the Mavericks kick off a crucial four-game road trip, they face the Nets and then the Knicks, with aspirations to climb the Western Conference standings. The return of Davis could significantly impact their playoff chances, but for now, the team must rely on its depth to ensure they remain relevant in the playoff race.

The Dallas Mavericks are taking significant steps in player rehabilitation as they assigned three injured big men—Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively II—to the Texas Legends, their G League affiliate. This strategic move allows them to participate in practice and scrimmages as they recover from their respective injuries. Davis has been out since a standout debut on February 8 due to a left adductor strain, while Gafford has not played since sustaining a right knee sprain on February 10. Lively, who has been sidelined since January 14, was initially diagnosed with a right ankle sprain, but further examination revealed a stress fracture.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported that Gafford and Lively will engage in 3-on-3 drills during their time with the Legends, while Davis is expected to be more involved in 5-on-5 sessions. This is not the first time Davis has trained with the Legends, highlighting the team's commitment to facilitating his return. With 12 games left in the regular season, the Mavericks are keen to bolster their lineup, especially as they prepare for crucial matchups ahead.

Anthony Davis has been assigned to the Texas Legends, the G League affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks, following an injury that sidelined him since early February. Acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in a trade for Luka Dončić, Davis has only played once for the Mavericks. Reports indicate he is eager to return to action, especially with the Mavericks fighting for a play-in spot in the Western Conference with a 33-36 record. Concerns about his premature return to play and the risk of re-aggravating his adductor injury have surfaced, as discussions regarding a potential season shutdown occurred.

The Mavericks have struggled significantly with injuries this season. During a recent loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, they dressed only the league-minimum of eight active players. Along with Davis, notable injuries include Kyrie Irving, who is out with a torn ACL, and Dereck Lively II, suffering from an ankle stress fracture. The team's financial situation complicates their roster management, as Kessler Edwards and Brandon Williams face limits on their two-way contracts.

The Dallas Mavericks are facing yet another injury blow as forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper is set to undergo season-ending surgery due to a serious right wrist injury. The 2023 first-round pick had been showing promise, averaging 5.9 points and 3.1 rebounds over the last 24 games, but he now joins star guard Kyrie Irving and several others on the injury list. Coach Jason Kidd confirmed Prosper's absence without elaborating, leaving the team to navigate the remainder of the season with a significantly depleted roster.

The Mavericks have been particularly hard hit this season, with Irving already sidelined after tearing his ACL and several other key players like Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II also out indefinitely. Despite these setbacks, Dallas is bringing in guards Dante Exum and Caleb Martin to bolster their lineup. As the season progresses, the management will need to reassess their strategies, especially with the playoffs on the horizon.