Daniel Gafford posts 12 points, 9 rebounds in loss to Spurs

Fantasy basketball: Gafford delivered 12 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks on Saturday, a solid defensive showing in 23 minutes as a starter for Dallas.

By Fantasy Roundup Staff · October 25, 2026

Daniel Gafford posted 12 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks on 6-of-9 shooting in 23 minutes as a starter on Saturday, October 24, as Dallas fell 122-106 at home to San Antonio. He did not attempt a free throw and turned it over three times.

The line sits comfortably above his last season marks of 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.3 blocks in 21.7 minutes a game over 55 contests. The three steals lift his defensive contributions in nine-category leagues, and the 37.8 fantasy points match the projection of 17.1 fantasy points a game in default points scoring. His 9.2 per cent usage rate and 44.4 per cent true shooting through three games remain modest, but the shot volume was efficient and the stocks valuable.

Fantasy impact

Player by player

Daniel Gafford

Gafford has started all three games this season but is averaging 6.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 19.8 minutes a game, numbers that trail his 2024-25 baseline. The three steals on Saturday stand out as his defensive category contributions, and the two blocks add to his 2.0 blocks per game through the early sample. He has played just under 20 minutes a night, which leaves room for more if Dallas needs him.

The Mavericks have one game left this week, Saturday against an opponent to be determined, which is the second night of a back-to-back. Gafford's minutes could fluctuate in that spot. The club has no games the following week. In nine-category leagues, he offers blocks and field-goal percentage without hurting you elsewhere, and in points leagues the 37.8 fantasy points on Saturday show what he can do when the opportunities arrive. Hold him for the defensive stats.

What to do

• Hold Daniel Gafford in all formats for his blocks and field-goal percentage.

• Start Gafford in nine-category leagues when you need stocks.

• Monitor his minutes closely, as he has one game left this week on the second night of a back-to-back.

Schedule this week