Dereck Lively suffered a calf sprain in the Mavs' game vs. Denver and has been ruled out indefinitely.
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II was forced to leave Tuesday’s game against the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter with a right ankle sprain. This will likely add to his already nine missed games this year as the Mavericks will play the New Orleans Pelicans Wednesday.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Lively II received an X-ray on his sprained right ankle and results were negative. No timeline has been established as of now.
The sprain occurred early in the first quarter when Lively stepped on Nikola Jokic’s foot. Although he contributed 4 points and a block in his brief time on the court, he immediately signaled to the bench in pain and was soon sidelined.
Lively, who has been crucial this NBA season, averaging 9.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game, has been a vital part of the Mavericks’ lineup. However, his absence will likely lead to more responsibility for Daniel Gafford, who frequently alternates with Lively at the starting center position.
