The Dallas Mavericks have confirmed they will be without Tim Hardaway Jr. for the upcoming Game 3 against the Los Angeles Clippers, following a right ankle sprain he suffered in Game 2 of their tied series. As the teams prepare to clash at the American Airlines Center, the Mavericks are also grappling with the uncertainty surrounding starting center Daniel Gafford’s availability due to a lower-back injury incurred in the same game.
Head coach Jason Kidd revealed after Thursday’s practice that Gafford is currently listed as questionable for Friday’s game. The ongoing best-of-seven series has intensified in physicality, and the potential absence of Gafford could further challenge the Mavericks as they navigate through the heightened competition.
“This series is built on physicality, from start to finish,” stated Kidd. “It’s about who can withstand and harness that physical nature. Game 3 will be no exception.”
Should Gafford be unable to participate, the Mavericks would likely turn to rookie Dereck Lively II, who put in a commendable performance in Game 2, and is no stranger to starting positions from the regular season. His readiness to engage in the more physical aspects of playoff basketball has been noted by Kidd as a positive sign for the team.
Lively’s Game 2 contributions included seven points and nine rebounds during his 21 minutes on the court, while Maxi Kleber also stepped up from the bench with six points and six rebounds in 28 minutes. Kleber, along with Lively, has been pivotal in supporting the team from the bench and is prepared for the intensified physical play of the playoffs.
Kleber remarked on the playoff environment, acknowledging its physicality and the necessity for the Mavericks to match their opponents’ energy and aggression.
The Mavericks might also consider Dwight Powell or Markieff Morris for additional support, especially with Olivier Maxence-Prosper sidelined for Game 3 due to an ankle injury sustained during practice.
Kleber has emerged as a crucial player for Dallas, especially in critical moments of the game, a role he has embraced since the final month of the regular season and continued into the playoffs. Coach Kidd praised Kleber’s defensive performance and ability to make impactful decisions offensively.
In the lead up to the playoffs, Coach Kidd discussed his approach to managing a shorter rotation and the impact on player minutes, emphasizing the focus on teamwork and the overarching goal of securing wins. He also highlighted the defensive efforts of Luka Dončić as a driving force behind the Mavericks’ resolve, noting his intelligent play and positioning.
The Clippers, having arrived in Dallas on Wednesday, also held a practice session at the American Airlines Center on Thursday, as both teams set their sights on gaining an advantage in what promises to be a closely contested Game 3.