Mavericks Center Dereck Lively II Out with Stress Fracture
The Dallas Mavericks announced that center Dereck Lively II has a stress fracture in his right ankle and will be re-evaluated in a month.
Injury Setbacks for Lively
This latest injury adds to the challenges Lively has faced in his two seasons. He had missed the past three games due to what the team originally described as a right ankle sprain. This season, he has already missed 11 games due to different injuries.
As a rookie in 2023-24, Lively played only 55 games because of injuries but helped the Mavericks reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011.
Impact of Lively’s Injury and Luka Doncic’s Absence
Lively’s extended absence comes at a time when superstar Luka Doncic is still recovering from a left calf strain, which is expected to keep him out for several more weeks. Doncic has already missed 13 games due to this injury.
“Next man up,” said Mavericks coach Jason Kidd before Wednesday’s game against Minnesota. “That’s why you have a team. We’ve been through this before.”
Other Injuries on the Mavericks Roster
On Wednesday, Dallas listed four other players as out, including starting guard Klay Thompson, who is dealing with a left ankle sprain. The defending Western Conference champions entered the game against the Timberwolves in seventh place in the West.
Coach Kidd’s Focus on Team Effort
“We’re not looking at the standings. We’re just trying to figure out who can put on a uniform,” Kidd said.
Lively’s Performance When Healthy
When Lively has been healthy, he has been productive, averaging 8.9 points and 7.2 rebounds while shooting 73% from the field in 87 games across two seasons.
He has shared starting duties with Daniel Gafford, who is averaging 12.1 points and 6.2 rebounds in 41 games this season.
