Dereck Lively II, D’Angelo Russell get mixed injury reports
The The Dallas Mavericks are ready to play New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, as the team hopes to improve to a 5-12 record on the season. However, leading up to the contest, Dallas received mixed information regarding the injuries Derek Lively II and D’Angelo Russell.
Lively, who was never on the injury report, was reported as available for Friday’s game, according to Kevin Gray Jr. from DLLS Mavs. However, head coach Jason Kidd said the 21-year-old center will be on a playing limit.
“Dereck Lively II is AVAILABLE per Jason Kidd and will be limited to 15-18 minutes tonight.”
Meanwhile, Russell, who is 29, is official excluded due to illnessaccording to Gray. Brandon Williams is expected to start at quarterback, while Jaden Hardy could also see some playing time.
“Mavericks G D’Angelo Russell is OUT tonight, per Jason Kidd.”
Dereck Lively II being available is great news for the Maverickshaving been a fantastic asset in defense through the six games played so far. Provides an elite level of rim protection while averaging a career-high 1.7 blocks per game. Lively is also averaging 4.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 58.8% from the field and 75.0% from the free throw line.
Because of his success on the defensive end, we could see Kidd give Lively more playing time in the near future. Meanwhile, Daniel Gafford will likely continue to play most of the time at center until Derek Lively II is given more time on the court as he works his way back from a serious ankle injury suffered near the end of last season.
As for D’Angelo Russell, the Mavericks will officially be without one of their top point guard options due to illness. Through 16 games played so far this season, the former first-round pick is averaging 12.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 39.9% from the field and shooting 25.6% from beyond the arc.
2025-11-22 00:33:00
