The Dallas Mavericks have been dealt another blow to their injury-plagued season. Dereck Lively II is expected to be sidelined for two to three months due to a small fracture in his ankle (Note: It was originally reported to be a fracture in his foot). This news comes as a significant setback for the Mavs, who have already been struggling with various injuries throughout the season.
Lively’s absence will likely extend until late March or April, potentially jeopardizing his availability for the regular season’s conclusion and the start of the playoffs. The Mavericks are unlikely to rush his return, given the importance of his long-term health to the franchise’s future.
The Impact on the Mavericks’ Season
This injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for Dallas. With Luka Doncic still recovering from his own injury and expected to return before the All-Star break. The Mavericks were hoping to make a strong push in the second half of the season to make up for some of the ground they’ve already lost in the standings. Now, they face an uphill battle to maintain their playoff positioning.
The Mavericks’ defense, which has heavily relied on Lively’s presence, will undoubtedly suffer. The team will need to lean more on Daniel Gafford and potentially explore other options to fill the void at center.
Looking Ahead
Despite this setback, it’s not all doom and gloom for the Mavericks. There’s still a path to the playoffs, especially with the play-in tournament providing additional opportunities. If Doncic returns soon and the team can weather the storm until Lively’s potential return, Dallas could still make noise in the postseason.
However, the lack of time to build momentum and chemistry before the playoffs is concerning. The Mavericks will need to adapt quickly and hope for a seamless reintegration of their injured players.
Injury Communication Concerns
One frustrating aspect of this situation has been the Mavericks’ communication regarding injuries. The team listed Lively as Questionable for a game on the same day reports surfaced about his extended absence. This lack of transparency is not only confusing for fans but also raises questions about the team’s injury management and reporting practices.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Dereck Lively injury situation and its implications for the Mavericks, tune into the Locked On Mavericks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Mavericks Podcasts:
• Mavericks Fight and Loss to the Timberwolves
• PJ Washington taking a step forward for Dallas
• The Mavericks’ upcoming challenging schedule
• Potential roster moves to address the center position
