
Dereck Lively II is averaging 9.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game this season.
The Dallas Mavericks say center Dereck Lively II 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 a promising young player who has had issues with injuries in both his seasons. ESPN’s Shams Charania reports Lively is expected to miss two to three months.
Lively has been sidelined the past three games with what the team said was a right ankle sprain. He has missed 11 overall this season with a variety of injuries.
The 20-year-old former Duke standout was limited to 55 games by injuries as a rookie in 2023-24 while also helping the Mavs reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011.
The Dallas Mavericks announced today that Mavericks center Dereck Lively II sustained a right ankle stress fracture.
Lively will be re-evaluated in four weeks.
— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) January 22, 2025
Lively’s long-term absence comes with superstar Luka Dončić still likely weeks away from returning from a left calf strain. The injury already has sidelined Dončić for 13 games.
“Next man up,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said before Wednesday’s game against Minnesota. “That’s why you have a team. We’ve been through this before.”
Dallas listed four other players as out Wednesday, including starting guard Klay Thompson (left ankle sprain).
Dallas, the defending Western Conference champion, fell to 23-21 after Wednesday’s 115-114 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. That defeat moved the Mavs to No. 9 in the West standings, with the Phoenix Suns (1/2 game behind), Golden State Warriors (1 1/2 games) and San Antonio Spurs (2 1/2 games) within range of their spot.
“We’re not looking at the standings. We’re just trying to figure out who can put on a uniform,” Kidd said.
When he has been healthy, Lively has been dynamic and productive. He’s averaging 9.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting 70.1% overall this season.
Lively has shared time as the starter with Daniel Gafford, who is averaging 12.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 1.6 bpg (on 70.4% shooting) in 42 games this season.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.