The Dallas Mavericks are finally regaining momentum heading into the playoffs, as the Mavericks' win over the Pistons on Saturday marked Dallas' second straight win. The Mavericks were on the verge of losing control of their season prior to this recent winning streak, losing five of their six games, so every game has increased importance at this juncture in the season, and things are looking up. I hope it continues to move in the right direction. Mavericks.
One of Dallas' woes as of late, as Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has yet to establish a stable center rotation between Maxi Kleber, Derek Lively II and Daniel Gafford. It's center rotation. Lively II has been dealing with some nagging injuries over the past month that have kept him in and out of the lineup, not to mention the big man's departure from Detroit and Dallas for personal reasons. Needless to say, he missed the game.
The Mavs' defense is the biggest concern, but one source told me they believe they can fix it and the team isn't panicking. For example, Derek Lively hasn't returned from injury on the defensive end and is probably hitting the rookie wall right now, which is no surprise. #MFFL
— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) March 7, 2024
Kevin Gray Jr. of 97.1 The Freaks reported that Dallas believes Lively II may be hitting a rookie wall and his defense isn't the same. The same day Gray Jr. reported this, Gafford started Lively II against the Miami Heat.
Lively II's production from an offensive and rebounding standpoint has also declined a bit in recent time, as he's only averaged 6.4 points and 3.6 rebounds in his past 10 games with Dallas, but some of that is due to This may be due to Kidd only playing Lively II 19.2. minutes per game during that period as well.
Lively II's recent status in Dallas' lineup has left the Mavericks with much less flexibility up front, but Kidd could better manage center time for Dallas going forward, and Lively II could be the rookie wall. If Dallas can return to full strength after a bit of a bump in the road, Dallas will be ready to beef up their rim protection heading into the playoffs.
Derek Lively II was not listed on the team's injury report, but he returned to the team yesterday in Chicago.
Barring something drastic, he missed Saturday's game against the Pistons but is expected to be available for tonight's game against the Bulls.
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) March 11, 2024
Dallas and Lively II play tonight on the road against the Chicago Bulls, so they have a chance to make it three straight with a win. Stay tuned for more information on Derek Lively II and the Dallas Mavericks.
