The Dallas Mavericks announced that center Daniel Gafford will be sidelined for a minimum of six weeks due to a Grade 3 MCL sprain in his right knee, as confirmed by sources on Thursday evening.

Gafford’s injury occurred during Monday’s defeat against the Sacramento Kings, and the team indicated he will undergo reevaluation in two weeks.

On Thursday, Gafford shared a message on Instagram, saying: “Y’all wait for me…Be back soon.”

The seriousness of Gafford’s injury leaves the Mavericks lacking their top three big men for the weeks following the All-Star break.

Reports indicate that All-Star forward/center Anthony Davis, a key player acquired in the Luka Doncic trade, is expected to be out for at least four weeks as the Mavericks take precautions during his recovery from a left adductor strain sustained in his debut with the team.

Dereck Lively II, the starting center for the Mavericks, has been recovering from a stress fracture in his right ankle and is currently in a walking boot, rendering him unavailable for a month.

Additionally, reserve center Dwight Powell has not played in the past 14 games due to a hip strain.

Despite these challenges, the Mavericks have managed to secure consecutive victories against the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat, with 6-foot-7 two-way player Kessler Edwards stepping in as the starting center.