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.