How critical is a healthy Daniel Gafford to Mavs-Clippers series, potential playoff run?

Dallas Morning News Mavericks beat writers Mike Curtis and Brad Townsend participated in a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) on Thursday to answer questions about the first-round playoff series with the Los Angeles Clippers and more.

Here are some highlights, edited for length and clarity, from questions about Daniel Gafford, who was listed as questionable for Game 3 on Friday.

How do you guys think Gafford will be adapted as this series goes on, and will that be a key factor in if/how we win this series?

Brad: The Clippers have done a stellar job of taking away Dallas’ lob game, although Dereck Lively shook loose for a couple in Game 2. If Gafford is in fact healthy, which I think is a big question mark at this point, getting him some lob dunks, in my opinion, would unlock him. Talking to some Mavs staff after Game 1, they and Gafford were caught off-guard when the Clippers went to Ivica Zubac in the post repeatedly to start Game 1. Gafford never recovered from the shock. I thought he would in Game 2, but he didn’t. Huge concern for Dallas. To more succinctly answer your question, it’s definitely a key factor in Dallas winning or losing the series.

Is Gafford particularly unsuited for the playoffs? Or is it something the Clippers are doing to stop him? Do you see him being a nonfactor the rest of the series and if we move on and face the Thunder?

Brad: I don’t think he’s unsuited to the playoffs, at all, but he’s not necessarily suited for the Zubac matchup. I thought he would be much better in Game 2, and the fact that he wasn’t, whether it was health-related or not, is Dallas’ No. 1 concern the rest of the series. I thought Lively stepped up, as did Maxi Kleber, but it’s a lot to ask of Lively in particular to shoulder a larger load for the entire series. ... IF Mavs move on to face the Thunder, check out Gafford’s games against them after the trade. Very good numbers, dominant for stretches. If he’s healthy, he would be a plus in that series.

Mike: I wouldn’t say he’s unsuited for the playoffs. It’s his second postseason appearance. He’s definitely struggled through these first two games. He started the first game with foul trouble before he suffered an ankle injury. He suffered a lower back injury in the second game. I think the Clippers are being extremely physical with him, which could play a factor, but I don’t think he’s being utilized like he was in the regular season. I can see him regain his footing as the series progresses, but it may be a matchup problem as well. The playoffs are all about adjustments and matchups. Gafford’s skillset as a lob threat and roll-man could be utilized more in the next series, if the Mavs advance.

Where do the Mavs go with the 5 for the rest of the series if Gafford remains limited due to bad play/injury? Could we see them stay big with Lively in the starting lineup, or is it more Maxi at the 5 or even P.J.?

Brad: I do see the potential for Lively to start, as he did in the second half of Game 2, but I think it’s too much to ask of a 20-year-old to ramp his minutes to the 30-minute range. ... I would be surprised if Kleber starts, though we saw it in the postseason a couple of years ago. He has not been 100% this season, dealing with that toe injury that knocked him out for basically two months. He’s been in maintenance mode ever since, wearing a special plate in his shoe to stabilize the toe. Starting him and ramping his minutes too high would be too risky in terms of making an extended playoff run. You’re more likely to see [Dwight] Powell for spot minutes if Gafford is unable to play.

Mike: I think the Mavs will stay big and insert Lively into the starting lineup if Gafford remains limited, especially if he’s unable to play in Game 3. You want to match Lively with Zubac, especially to start. Every rebound is important in the playoffs and you risk getting beat on the boards if you go small. Maybe they won’t make the lineup change if they continue to win.

How do y’all feel about the team’s response to Zubac? Did we get lucky because he had two fouls in the first?

Brad: I thought it was both lucky and good. Good plan to attack him off the dribble, three times in the first four possessions to draw those two early fouls. Lucky in that he had to sit out a long time. The Mavs did a good job of ganging up on him when he returned, yet he still finished with 13 and 12. Shows what a force/problem he will be in this series.

More from the Reddit AMA

Who’s more important to Mavs-Clippers series: Luka Doncic or Kawhi Leonard?