Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis scored 20 of his 24 points in the second half to go with 14 rebounds and three blocks, and Cooper Flagg had 22 points and eight assists as the Dallas Mavericks rallied to beat the Brooklyn Nets 119-111 on Friday night.

Gafford will miss a third straight game with a lingering right ankle injury. The absence of him and Dereck Lively II means that Dwight Powell will be part of the rotation, serving mainly as Anthony Davis' backup. There's no need to consider adding Powell with a healthy AD in the fold.

After a subpar first half in which he tallied four points, three rebounds and three assists, Davis flipped the switch. The Mavericks forward/center accounted for 20 points, 11 rebounds and three blocked shots in the second half, and the final stat line may lead some to believe that Davis was steady throughout. With Dereck Lively II done for the season and Daniel Gafford limited by an ankle injury, Davis will have to serve as the Mavericks' anchor in the middle. And when he's up for it, the veteran post is still one of the best in the NBA. Dallas does not play again until Monday against the Jazz.

ESPN's NBA insiders suggested several mock trades on Thursday, which included the Warriors landing Anthony Davis and the Kings getting Trae Young.

Gafford has missed two straight and four of Dallas's last five games as his right ankle continues to be an issue. With Dereck Lively II (foot) done for the season, the Mavericks will continue to start Anthony Davis at the center position. Dwight Powell will pick up rotation minutes off the bench if Gafford remains out.