Dereck Lively II Injury: Mavericks Rookie Leaves Game 3 vs. Timberwolves
Lively II helped off court after knee to back
Mavericks center's status uncertain after Game 3 exit
Dallas Mavericks rookie Dereck Lively II was helped off the court in the second quarter of Sunday's Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 7-foot-1 center took an inadvertent knee to the back from Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards and immediately grabbed his back in pain. Lively II was helped to the locker room and did not return to the game.
The Mavericks announced that Lively II is questionable to return in Game 3. His status for Game 4, which is scheduled for Tuesday in Dallas, is also uncertain.
Lively II has been a key contributor for the Mavericks in his rookie season, averaging 8.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. He has started 12 of the Mavericks' 20 playoff games this season.
The Mavericks are hoping that Lively II's injury is not serious, as they are in a tight Western Conference playoff race. Dallas is currently tied with the Sacramento Kings for the fifth seed in the West, and they are just one game ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers.
If Lively II is unable to play in Game 4, the Mavericks will be without one of their most important players. The Mavericks will likely turn to Dwight Powell or JaVale McGee to fill in for Lively II in the starting lineup.
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