MINNEAPOLIS — All-Star big man Derek Lively II was finishing in the paint when he was hit in the back of the head by Karl-Anthony Towns’ knee during the Dallas Mavericks’ Game 3 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Lively lay on the court for several minutes before being helped off the court, but concerns remain about his health.
Lively was initially diagnosed with a neck sprain and was listed as questionable for his return, then was deemed out for the remainder of Game 3. He did not practice on Monday and missed Game 4 on Tuesday, but progress appears to be being made toward his return to the lineup.
The Mavericks filed their injury report for Game 5, listing Lively as questionable, as was Luka Doncic, who is dealing with a right knee sprain and left ankle soreness. The team had already ruled out Olivier Maxence Prosper because of a left ankle sprain.
Lively has been a key contributor to the Mavericks’ success throughout the postseason, averaging 8.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.1 blocks while shooting an all-time high 65.3 percent from the field in 15 games.
“Yeah, he’s a big part of our defense and our offense, so we’re going to miss him a lot when he’s gone,” Doncic said of Lively.
The Mavericks welcomed back Maxi Kleber to the lineup after he had been sidelined since the first round of the playoffs against the Los Angeles Clippers with a long-term injury caused by a dislocated AC joint in his right shoulder.
Adding Lively and Kleber back would give Dallas the most size and versatility in the frontcourt, and having those options against a strong Timberwolves frontcourt rotation featuring Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid would be valuable.
Switching between multiple rim protectors throughout the game will make it difficult for Anthony Edwards to attack the paint and make plays, and when Lively can’t play, Gafford is the only true shot-blocking option Dallas has.
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