Mavs center Derek Lively II is out at least a month with a stress fracture in his ankle
The Dallas Mavericks let’s say the center Derek Lively II he has a stress fracture in his right ankle and will be re-evaluated in a month.
The injury announced Wednesday is the latest setback for the promising youngster who has struggled with injuries in both of his seasons.
Lively sat out the previous three games with what the team said was a sprained right ankle. He has missed a total of 11 this season due to various injuries.
The 20-year-old former Duke man was limited to 55 games due to injuries as a rookie in 2023-24 while also helping the Mavs reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011.
Lively’s extended absence comes with superstardom Luka Dončić a few more weeks until he returns from his left calf strain. The injury has already sidelined Dončić for 13 games.
Dallas, the defending Western Conference champion, went into Wednesday night to face Minnesota in seventh place in the West.
When healthy, Lively was dynamic and productive, averaging 8.9 points and 7.2 rebounds while shooting 73% from the field in 87 games over his two seasons.
Lively split time as a starter with Daniel Gaffordwho is averaging 12.1 points and 6.2 rebounds in 41 games this season.
Associated Press reports.
Derek Lively II
Dallas Mavericks
National Basketball Association
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2025-01-22 22:40:00
