Dallas Mavericks starting center Dereck Lively II, 20, has sustained a small fracture in his right foot, posing a significant challenge to the team. Lively emerged as a crucial part of the Mavericks' foundation, yet he is now expected to miss two to three months. This development adds to the team's ongoing struggles, having lost 10 of their last 14 games since star player Luka Doncic strained his left calf on Christmas Day. The Mavericks are set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night without several key players.
Lively had already missed the previous three games and was listed as questionable for the upcoming match. Further testing confirmed the fracture, leaving the Mavericks thin in their big man depth. This issue is compounded by the absence of third-string center Dwight Powell, who suffered a right hip strain last Friday. Powell will be missing his second consecutive game against the Timberwolves.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic's return remains uncertain. The team is waiting for a reevaluation in the coming days, but no firm timetable has been set for his return. In addition, Kyrie Irving, another key player for the Mavericks, is also managing his own injury concerns. He has missed time recently due to a bulging disk in his back and has stated that he will have to manage this injury for the remainder of the season. Irving hopes to avoid surgery as he continues to support the team.
Despite these setbacks, the Mavericks have found a quality replacement in Daniel Gafford, who will step into the starting role. Gafford has been averaging 12.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, providing some much-needed stability in the absence of Lively and Powell.
The Mavericks are navigating a challenging period with several players sidelined due to injuries. As they prepare for their upcoming game against the Timberwolves, the team will rely heavily on its remaining roster to maintain competitiveness.
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