DANIEL GAFFORD NEWS

Swats four shots in win Gafford provided 10 points (4-5 FG, 2-2 FT), nine rebounds, two assists, four blocks and two steals over 27 minutes during Monday's 126-107 win over the Pistons.

Impact Gafford provided a defensive spark to help the Wizards snap their nine-game losing streak, as he recorded multiple blocks for the third straight game. This was the third time this season that the big man has tallied at least four blocks in a contest, and he ranks seventh in the league with 2.0 swats per game. Gafford added to his defensive effort Monday with an efficient night as a shooter and finished one board short of notching his third double-double of the campaign.

NOVEMBER 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Records double-double Wednesday Gafford notched 15 points (7-9 FG, 1-2 FT), 16 rebounds, one assist and one steal over 34 minutes during Wednesday's 117-114 loss to the Hornets.

Impact Gafford scored in double figures for a fifth consecutive matchup Wednesday and was also a force on the boards en route to his second double-double of the season. Over 10 appearances this month, he's averaged 9.9 points and 7.7 rebounds in 25.0 minutes per game.

NOVEMBER 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Just short of double-double Gafford totaled 10 points (5-6 FG, 0-1 FT), nine rebounds and two assists in 24 minutes during Wednesday's 130-117 loss to Dallas.

Impact The fifth-year center has only one double-double through nine games to begin the season, but Gafford has pulled down nine boards in three of the last four contests. He's had a solid start to the campaign, averaging 7.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks a night -- both of which would be career highs. Given the Wizards' lack of depth in the frontcourt, coach Wes Unseld Jr.'s options at center are essentially either Gafford or running with a small-ball lineup, so the 25-year-old's court time this season should be very secure.

NOVEMBER 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Cleared to return Gafford (thumb) has returned to Sunday's game against Brooklyn, Josh Robbins of The Athletic reports.

Impact Gafford checked back into the contest midway through the third quarter. Gafford's active play style leads to his fair share of bumps and bruises, but he's no worse for the wear Sunday.

NOVEMBER 12, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Suffers thumb injury Gafford (thumb) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Nets.

Impact Gafford suffered the injury shortly before halftime, and his inability to emerge from the break in the lineup boats poorly for his return. Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala could see enlarged roles.

NOVEMBER 12, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Block party in loss Gafford accumulated 10 points (4-6 FG, 2-3 FT), eight rebounds, one assist, five blocks and two steals across 30 minutes during Friday's 124-117 loss to Charlotte.

Impact It was the second time this season Gafford has reached five blocks, which has him at a career-high 2.8 per game across six games. The big man is also averaging 7.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists across 23.8 minutes. His fantasy will presumably continue depending on his ability to accumulate rejections going forward.

NOVEMBER 11, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Cleared to play Monday Gafford (ankle) is available for Monday's game against the 76ers.

Impact Gafford, Deni Avdija (ankle) and Corey Kispert (ankle) were all questionable for Monday's contest but will ultimately suit up. Gafford is off to a slow start this season, averaging 6.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 23.0 minutes per game, and faces a tough matchup against Joel Embiid.

NOVEMBER 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Goes through shootaround Gafford, who's listed as questionable due to an ankle injury, participated in the Wizards' morning shootaround ahead of Monday's game in Philadelphia, Ava Wallace of The Washington...

Impact Gafford, Corey Kispert (ankle) and Deni Avdija (ankle) are all questionable but participated in the team's morning shootaround, so it appears Washington will be at full strength. Across three appearances, Gafford is averaging 6.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 23.0 minutes per game.

NOVEMBER 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable for Monday Gafford (ankle) is questionable for Monday's game against the 76ers, Josh Robbins of The Athletic reports.

Impact Gafford is dealing with a left ankle contusion. Gafford played on Friday against Miami, but he had missed the two games prior due to an ankle injury, making his new designation notable.

NOVEMBER 5, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Starting against Miami Gafford (ankle) is in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Heat, Josh Robbins of The Athletic reports.

Impact Gafford was listed as available earlier today, so his presence in the starting unit is not surprising. His return from a two-game absence will move Mike Muscala to the bench. Gafford averaged 8.0 points and 8.0 rebounds in 24.5 minutes per game over his first two appearances this year.

NOVEMBER 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Available Friday Gafford (ankle) is available for Friday's game against the Heat.

Impact While Gafford initially carried a questionable designation for Friday's matchup, he'll be able to suit up after missing the last two games with a sprained left ankle. He averaged 8.0 points and 8.0 rebounds in 24.5 minutes per game over his first two appearances this year, but his playing time may be monitored Friday.

NOVEMBER 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Downgraded to questionable Gafford (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game against the Heat.

Impact Gafford was left off the Wizards' initial injury report for Friday's matchup, but the team updated his status shortly after. However, he partially participated in Thursday's practice session and will still be in the mix to return to game action Friday.

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Not on injury report Gafford (ankle) isn't on the injury report for Friday's game against the Heat.

Impact Gafford missed the last two games due to a left ankle sprain but was a partial participant in Thursday's practice session and will be able to return to game action Friday. He averaged 8.0 points and 8.0 rebounds in 24.5 minutes per game over his first two appearances of the season, but it's unclear whether he'll face any limitations Friday.

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Partially participates in practice Gafford (ankle) was a partial participant in Thursday's practice session, Josh Robbins of The Athletic reports.

Impact Gafford hasn't appeared in Washington's last two games due to a sprained left ankle, but it's encouraging that he got some work in during practice Thursday. It's not yet clear whether he'll be able to suit up for Friday's game in Miami.

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out Wednesday Gafford (ankle) won't play in Wednesday's game versus the Hawks, Josh Robbins of The Athletic reports.

Impact Gafford will miss his second straight game Wednesday after being downgraded from questionable to out with a left ankle sprain. Bilal Coulibaly started the previous contest in his absence. Gafford's next chance to suit up is Friday's matchup with the Heat.

NOVEMBER 1, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Goes through shootaround Gafford (ankle) was a full participant at Wednesday's shootaround, Josh Robbins of The Athletic reports.

Impact Gafford was unable to play Monday against Boston, but he's trending in the right direction. Washington's starting center is still carrying a questionable tag, and a decision on his status will be made closer to tipoff.

NOVEMBER 1, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable for Wednesday Gafford (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Hawks.

Impact Gafford missed Monday's matchup against the Celtics after spraining his ankle in the first half of Saturday's win over Memphis. In his absence, Bilal Coulibaly drew his first career NBA start as the Wizards opted for a small-ball lineup versus Boston. If Gafford remains sidelined, Washington may trot out the same starting lineup against Atlanta, but don't be surprised if the Wizards mix things up given they struggled mightily versus the Celtics.

OCTOBER 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play Monday Gafford (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Celtics, Josh Robbins of The Athletic reports.

Impact Gafford sprained his ankle in the first half of Saturday's win over Memphis, and even though he returned to the game in the second half, he'll be unavailable for at least one contest due to the issue. Mike Muscala and Danilo Gallinari should see an uptick in playing time Monday, while Gafford's next chance to suit up will be Wednesday against Atlanta.

OCTOBER 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Listed as questionable Gafford (ankle) is questionable for Monday's matchup against the Celtics.

Impact Gafford briefly left Saturday's game due to the injury, but he returned to start the second half and finished the contest without a setback. However, it appears Washington will still proceed with caution. If Gafford is sidelined, Mike Muscala and Danilo Gallinari would be candidates for increased playing time.

OCTOBER 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Misses practice Sunday Gafford (ankle) did not participate in Sunday's practice after suffering an ankle sprain in Saturday's win over Memphis, Josh Robbins of The Athletic reports.

Impact Gafford played through the injury Saturday, logging his normal workload to the final buzzer. Gafford was uncertain of his availability for Monday's game against the Celtics, and Washington would be extremely shorthanded without him. Mike Muscala and Danilo Gallinari would handle the majority of minutes at center if Gafford misses time.

OCTOBER 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Double-doubles Saturday Gafford chipped in 10 points (3-4 FG, 4-6 FT), 11 rebounds and two blocks in 28 minutes during Saturday's 113-106 win over Memphis.

Impact Gafford had to leave the game and headed to the locker room in the second quarter with an apparent ankle injury, but he recovered to start the second half and delivered a strong display overall. This was his first double-double of the campaign, and he should see plenty of opportunities to make an impact for a rebuilding Wizards team, though he's not going to be anything more than the team's third-best offensive option behind Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole.

OCTOBER 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Nears double-double in blowout Gafford posted 15 points (5-6 FG, 5-7 FT), eight rebounds, five blocks and one steal over 20 minutes in Tuesday's 145-82 preseason win over Cairns.

Impact Gafford had a strong showing on both ends of the floor in Tuesday's preseason victory, leading the team in rebounds and blocks while finishing two boards short of a double-double. Gafford has seen a good mix of starting and coming off the bench in three seasons with the Wizards, looking to build onto that in his fourth year in Washington in 2023-24. A season ago, Gafford averaged 9.0 poins, 5.6 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.1 assists over 47 starts and 78 appearances for the Wizards.

OCTOBER 11, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Will be limited by elbow injury Gafford sustained an elbow injury during a recent pickup game and is expected to miss two-to-four weeks, Josh Robbins of The Athletic reports.

Impact Gafford reportedly took a hard fall during a recent pickup game and landed on his elbow. While the exact diagnosis, or even which elbow it is, remains unknown, the belief is that the big man will be sidelined to start training camp, and he'll likely miss some preseason action. The goal, of course, is to have Gafford back for the Wizards' opener on Oct. 25 at Indiana. Gafford is projected to start at center for Washington -- a role he held for 47 of his 78 appearances a year ago.

OCTOBER 1, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Gafford, Kispert power Wizards past Heat 114-108

Daniel Gafford had 22 points and eight rebounds, and the Washington Wizards beat the Miami Heat 114-108 in a meeting of short-handed teams

APRIL 8, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS