The Mavericks ruled starting center Dereck Lively II out with an ankle sprain just four minutes into Tuesday’s game against Denver, the team announced (via Twitter).
Lively is continuing to build on an impressive first season that saw him finish sixth in Rookie of the Year voting as he helped the Mavericks reach the NBA Finals. In 31 games (24 starts) this season, he’s averaging 9.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per night while shooting a highly efficient 70.1% clip from the field.
It’s a tough blow for a Dallas team already without superstar Luka Doncic, who is dealing with a calf injury that’s expected to keep him out through this month, at the earliest. According to Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal, Doncic is on track to return in early February, prior to the All-Star break.
The Mavericks did get some good injury news on Tuesday, as Kyrie Irving returned to action following a five-game absence due to a back issue.
Lively’s most direct replacement is apparent: Daniel Gafford. He and Lively often switch off at the starting center position, with Gafford starting in all 22 of his appearances last postseason and Lively taking over this year.
Beyond Gafford, the Mavs have Maxi Kleber, P.J. Washington and Dwight Powell as bigs. Powell got into Tuesday’s game in the first half after not playing in Dallas’ previous two tilts.
Lively’s return timeline will depend on the severity of the injury. While a mild sprain may not cost him much, if any, additional time, a more significant sprain could keep him on the shelf for weeks.