Dallas Mavericks Starting position Derek Lively II Sources told ESPN on Wednesday that the player suffered a small fracture in his right foot and is expected to be out for two to three months.
Lively has missed the past three games and is listed as questionable for Wednesday’s home game against the FC Minnesota TimberwolvesFurther tests revealed the fracture, the sources said.
Lively, 20, has emerged as a key player after playing a key role in Dallas’ run to the NBA Finals last season. He is averaging 9.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.7 blocks while shooting 70.1% from the floor this season.
The Mavericks (23-20) have lost 10 of 14 games since the superstar Luka Doncic His left leg strained at Christmas. Doncic’s performance is scheduled to be re-evaluated in the coming days, but no specific timetable has been set for his return.
Kyrie Irving He also missed some time recently due to a bulging disc in his back. Irving said he will have to deal with the injury for the rest of the season and hopes he doesn’t have to undergo surgery.
Daniel Gaffordwho is averaging 12.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks, gives the Mavericks a quality big who can step into a starting role. But Dallas’ big man depth is weak without a vital third center Dwight Powellwho suffered a right groin strain on Friday and will miss his second straight game against the Timberwolves.
