The Dallas Mavericks are making some big decisions for opening night.
Cooper Flagg is starting at point guard in place of D’Angelo Russell.
But one piece of news that will fly under the radar is the injury update for Daniel Gafford.
The Mavs will be without Gafford for their season opener against the San Antonio Spurs, which is a tough loss given that Victor Wembanyama is in the opposite frontcourt.
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Why isn’t Daniel Gafford playing tonight?
Gafford is out for opening night due to injury.
He has a right ankle sprain.
Gafford was slated to be the backup center for the Mavs, probably ticketed for about 20 minutes per night behind Dereck Lively II.
Now, the Mavs need a new plan behind Lively.
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Most likely, some combination of Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg and P.J. Washington will just have to play a little bigger.
AD prefers to play the 4, but he’ll likely get minutes at the 5. Flagg and Washington could also play small-ball center at times.
The Mavericks also have veteran Dwight Powell, who could see a few more minutes than anticipated for as long as Powell is out.
