Daniel Gafford Injury Update: Mavericks center gets massive update as he joins $175,369,471 All-Star in extended absence

The Dallas Mavericks can't catch a break with frontcourt injuries as Daniel Gafford has joined Anthony Davis on the sidelines for an extended absence. Gafford was initially expected to be out for a couple of weeks. However, the latest update from Shams Charania suggests Gafford is out for at least six weeks.

Charania reported that the Mavericks' starting center suffered a Grade 3 right knee MCL sprain.

"Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford has sustained a Grade 3 right MCL sprain and will miss at least 6 weeks, sources tell me and @espn_macmahon," Charania wrote. "Gafford, Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II now expected to be out significant stretches of the second half of the season."

Anthony Davis is expected to be out for a month, while Dereck Lively II is out for two months. The Mavericks are without a center at the moment, as Dwight Powell is also recovering from a right hip strain. They have used Kessler Edwards at the five with two-way signing Kylor Kelley as his backup.

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Daniel Gafford takes to Instagram after latest injury update

Daniel Gafford addressed his and Mavericks fans on Instagram shortly after Shams Charania provided the latest on his injury update. Gafford was seemingly emotional with his words as he said:

"Y’all wait for me…Be back soon (sad face emoji)"

Gafford was having an explosive year, averaging 12.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks on 69.9% shooting. Alongside Anthony Davis, the pair was expected to wreak havoc defensively on opposing teams. The duo achieved that in their first game together against the Rockets.

However, Davis got injured later in that game, and Gafford was the next to go down with a massive ailment. The Mavericks fans were deprived of seeing this tandem instantly, and that could span for a long time, possibly all the way into April, with six weeks on the timeline for Gafford's return and four for Davis.