Mavericks: Daniel Gafford Exits Bucks Game with Shoulder Stinger

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford has been ruled out for the remainder of the team’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks following a right shoulder injury sustained during the second quarter. The decision was confirmed by the Mavericks organization shortly after the veteran center exited the court on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

According to reporting from The Dallas Morning News, Gafford left the contest with 2:52 remaining in the second quarter. The injury occurred immediately after Gafford blocked a shot attempt by Milwaukee’s Ryan Rollins. Following the play, Gafford remained on the court for a brief period before being assisted to the locker room by Mavericks trainers.

The team officially ruled the center out at the halftime break. An announcement from Mavs PR clarified the status of the player for the remainder of the night.

Daniel Gafford (right shoulder stinger) will not return to tonight’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Mavs PR

At the time of his exit, Gafford had recorded seven points, four rebounds and one block. The injury marks another health setback for the 27-year-old center, who has dealt with multiple injuries throughout the 2025-2026 season.

Subsequent Game Status

Following the game against Milwaukee, further reports indicated that Gafford’s availability would be limited for the Mavericks’ upcoming schedule. CBS Sports reported that Gafford has been ruled out for Wednesday’s game against the Denver Nuggets. The report, citing Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News, noted that Gafford was downgraded from questionable to out for the contest.

With the center position depleted, the Mavericks are expected to adjust their rotation. Reports suggest that Marvin Bagley and Dwight Powell could see increased playing time in Gafford’s absence. The team’s next scheduled opportunity for Gafford to return to the lineup is Friday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Recent Injury History

The right shoulder issue sustained against the Bucks follows a similar injury incurred just over a week prior. According to The Dallas Morning News, Gafford suffered a right shoulder contusion during a game against the Golden State Warriors on March 23, 2026.

During that contest against the Warriors, Gafford was performing strongly before being forced to exit late in the fourth quarter. National Today reported that in the March 23 matchup, Gafford had scored 20 points on 8-of-8 shooting, along with seven rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block prior to leaving the game. The Mavericks eventually lost that game in overtime, 137-131.

The recurrence of shoulder issues has become a point of monitoring for the franchise. While the specific diagnosis for the March 31 incident was listed as a stinger by the team, previous reporting had identified a contusion in the same region. The consistency of the injury location has raised questions regarding the center’s durability for the remainder of the regular season.

Team Impact and Rotation

Gafford’s absence impacts the Mavericks’ interior defense and rebounding capabilities. Throughout the season, he has been a key component in the team’s frontcourt rotation. The reliance on backup options such as Powell and Bagley places a premium on their ability to maintain defensive intensity and scoring efficiency in the paint.

The Mavericks’ medical staff will continue to monitor Gafford’s progress leading up to the Friday matchup in Portland. Until further notice, the center remains listed as out for immediate upcoming games as the team manages the right shoulder injury.