Why Dallas will be without Derek Lively II against the Grizzlies

The Dallas Mavericks will face Memphis Grizzlies without Derek Lively II on Saturday. For the second night in a row, The Mavericks will look to build on Friday’s win against the New Orleans Pelicans. However, they will have to pull it off with Lively II, who joins an extended list of players on Dallas’ injury report.

Lively II, who is still recovering from right knee surgery, finished with four points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block in 18 minutes off the bench against the Pelicans as Dallas came off the bench this season. However, Lively II will sit for the second night of back-to-back games, as announced by the Mavericks, per Joey Mistretta of ClutchPoints.

“Derek Lively II (right knee injury management) will not play tonight for the second game in a row,” Mistretta reported. “He’s out. D’Angelo Russell (illness) is questionable for tonight’s game against the Grizzlies.

“Ryan Nembhardt (left knee sprain) is now doubtful. Cooper Flagg (right thumb sprain) is available. Anthony Davis, Dante Exum, Kyrie Irving remain out.”

Derek Lively II played in seven games this season for the Mavericks, including four starts for coach Jason Kidd. For the Mavs this season, he is averaging 4.3 points on 61.1% shooting, 5.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 16.4 minutes per game.

Max Christie on the Mavericks reaching the next level this season

Due to injuries to Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, Mavericks forward Max Christie discussed how his team can rise took his game to new heights after Friday’s win against the Pelicans. For Christie, finding consistency is key amid a competitive Western Conference, as the Mavs’ offense was able to lead the team to a three-point victory.

“It’s been great. We’ve got so many guys that can come into the game and draw multiple defenders. … The next level for us is finding those shooters. Everybody’s doing a good job of that, we’re getting it on film,” Christie said. “We’re talking about that and how we want to continue to shoot 3s. . . . Shot 43 tonight, that’s a decent amount. That’s our goal. We have so many guys coming into the game and so many opportunities to make those shots.”

The Mavs will host the Grizzlies on Saturday.