The Dallas Mavericks are preparing to use their home-court advantage to shake the LA Clippers and hopefully gain the upper hand in the playoff series. As of now, both teams are at a tie with the Mavs taking the win in Game 2 and thereby getting to play in the American Airlines Center. But as much as the Game 2 win was a necessity, they also faced slight trouble with Daniel Gafford.

Having gotten him ahead of the trade deadline from the Wizards, Gafford has been nothing but a standout in helping Dallas with defensive efficiency. Their defensive rating this season stands at 115.4. But with Daniel Gafford, the number is 111.0. During Game 2, however, the 25-year-old center left the floor with a lower back injury. As per the latest updates, it seems like Gafford is all set to go for the third very crucial round for both teams.

According to Grant Afseth, “Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (back spasms) is available to play against the LA Clippers.”

In the 29 games that Gafford played for Dallas, he’s started in 21. And looking at his stats with the Mavs, Daniel Gafford has averaged some of the best numbers of his career. In 21.5 minutes, the Arkansas native scored 11.2 points, 1.6 assists, and 6.9 rebounds per game while shooting a stunning 78.0% from the field. All of these are career highs. Clearly, he seems to be thriving with the Dallas Mavericks.

Is Kawhi Leonard playing in Game 3?

Kawhi Leonard made this season’s playoff debut in Game 2. But being out for three weeks and the inflammation still a major topic, Leonard’s presence didn’t do much damage to the solid defense Dallas put up. He was once again on the questionable list prior to Game 3. But less than two hours before the tip-off, the Los Angeles Clippers officially listed him as available.

There is no doubt that this won’t be the same Clippers team the Mavericks faced in Game 2. Tonight’s matchup is a crucial game-changer. Whichever team wins, take the lead moving further into the series. Given that ‘The Klaw’ isn’t 100% healthy and having played just one game of contact basketball, the team themselves will be careful with their superstar.

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The starters for the Mavericks are Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving, Derrick Jones Jr., PJ Washington, and Daniel Gafford. As for the Clippers, they have gone with a starting lineup featuring James Harden, Terance Mann, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and Ivica Zubac. This can go either way. Stay tuned for more updates!