10/24/2024, 11:13 PM
Starting Thursday
As expected, Dereck Lively will come off the bench behind Gafford. The 26-year-old is coming off a career-best year, during which he spent time with both the Wizards and Mavericks. Gafford averaged 11.0 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.0 combined steals plus blocks across 24.5 minutes per game in 74 regular-season outings in the 2023-24 campaign.
10/24/2024, 11:10 PM
Coming off bench in opener
As expected, Daniel Gafford will get the start over Lively. However, the 20-year-old will play a significant role off the bench and could be a candidate to enter the starting five later on, especially if injury concerns arise. Lively had a solid rookie campaign, during which he averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks across 23.5 minutes per game in 55 regular-season outings.
10/24/2024, 12:15 AM
Has team option picked up
Prosper was quiet in his 40 regular-season appearances as a rookie, averaging 3.0 points and 2.0 rebounds across 8.4 minutes. However, the Mavericks have opted to keep him around for another season, picking up his team option for 2025-26. Prosper will compete with Maxi Kleber and Naji Marshall for minutes off the bench this season.