Mavericks’ Dereck Lively II Out 2-3 Months with Foot Fracture

DALLAS, Texas — Dallas Mavericks starting center Dereck Lively II has sustained a small fracture in his right foot and is expected to miss two to three months, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.

Lively, 20, missed the past three games and was listed as questionable for Wednesday night’s home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but further testing revealed the fracture. The injury occurred during a game against the Denver Nuggets on January 14, when Lively rolled his ankle. Initial X-rays were negative, but subsequent evaluations uncovered the fracture.

The rookie standout has been a crucial part of the Mavericks’ lineup this season, averaging 9.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.7 blocks while shooting 70.1% from the floor. His absence adds to the team’s growing injury woes, as they have lost 10 of their last 14 games since superstar Luka Doncic strained his left calf on Christmas Day. Doncic is scheduled for reevaluation soon, but no firm timetable has been set for his return.

Kyrie Irving, another key player for the Mavericks, has also been sidelined recently due to a bulging disk in his back. Irving stated that he will need to manage the injury for the rest of the season and hopes to avoid surgery. Meanwhile, Daniel Gafford, who is averaging 12.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks, is expected to step into the starting center role. However, the team’s depth at the position is thin, with third-string center Dwight Powell also out due to a right hip strain.

The Mavericks (23-20) are now facing a critical stretch of the season without several key players. Lively’s injury timeline suggests he could return around the start of the playoffs, but the team will need to navigate a challenging schedule to stay competitive. Trade rumors have swirled around Gafford, but his role as the only healthy true center on the roster makes him indispensable for now.

Fans have raised questions about the initial misdiagnosis of Lively’s injury, as the team initially reported negative X-rays and listed him as questionable before ruling him out. The Mavericks’ medical staff has not commented on whether the fracture was missed or developed after the initial evaluation.

This latest setback compounds a season plagued by injuries for Dallas. Dante Exum has yet to play due to wrist surgery, Jaden Hardy has sprained the same ankle twice, and Naji Marshall has missed games due to illness. The team may need to explore trade options or sign additional depth to bolster their frontcourt until Lively and Powell return.