Dereck Lively II hopes to play in Mavericks-Warriors

On By Littum

Mavericks’ center Derek Lively IIwho has been out the last four games with a sprained right shoulder, hopes to play against the Warriors on Nov. 12, according to ESPN’s Tim McMahon. The second-year player from Duke has been a very important part of what the Mavericks do this season and last season, and his presence has been sorely missed in the interior on both sides of the ball.

The Mavericks are in San Francisco for Klay Thompson’s first trip back to Golden Stateand Lively II has said he’s feeling good in the lead-up to Tuesday night’s game. According to McMahon, the big man had this to say about his status and preparation for the fight: “Just have to see how I feel when I wake up, but it’s been steady progress and I’m feeling good.”

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One of the two players in Dallas’ center tandem along with Daniel GaffordLively II averaged 9.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 0.8 blocks over six games this season before missing the last few with the aforementioned shoulder injury. An excellent rebounder and play finisher, the former five-star recruit and 12th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft has been a dynamic piece for Dallas since his rookie season, helping them reach the NBA Finals last summer.

Getting him back will have a huge impact on this roster as the Mavericks trade the Warriors’ front court. Trayce Jackson-Davis and Draymond Greenas well as bench large as Kevon Looney and Jonathan Kuminga. Lively II, who has played on the Mavericks’ second unit and dominated opposing centers, provides great depth to a team that outside of those two doesn’t have a ton at the position.

Dallas tips at 9 p.m. on Nov. 12 at the Chase Center in San Francisco as part of the group stage of the NBA Cup, a regular-season tournament that was instituted last year. Hopefully for the Mavericks, Lively II will be ready to go.

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