Mavs Injury Updates: Dereck Lively II, Grant Williams Could Play vs. Trail Blazers
DALLAS — After recently regaining various players back in their lineup after injuries, the Dallas Mavericks are now dealing with another set to monitor. Dereck Lively II and Grant Williams suffered ankle sprains in Wednesday's 126-97 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
"Ankle sprains. Mild. Getting treatment," Mavs coach Jason Kidd said after Wednesday's game. "We'll see how they feel tomorrow."
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The Mavs listed Lively (left ankle sprain) and Williams (right ankle sprain) as questionable to play on Friday when the team takes on the Blazers, completing a two-game mini-series. While Williams recently was moved to the bench, Lively remains an essential rim protector and play-finisher alongside Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic.
"You kind of feel for Dereck Lively II; he just returned back from the left ankle and then sprained it again," Irving said. "We feel for him, we feel for Grant, but especially our young fella, he's been dealing kind of with the reality of the NBA season. Anything can happen. He can go down with an injury in any game, and it's tough on anyone mentally."
Irving explained the difficulties of Lively potentially being sidelined again after missing four games due to a left ankle sprain in December, knowing how important he is to the team's success and not being able to make an impact again.
"I know it's tough on him because he knows how important he is for our team, our rebounding, holding down the paint, being able to set great screens, but right now, we just have to have the next man up if he doesn't play the next game," Irving said. "Just unfortunate circumstances, but we know it comes with the NBA season, he's going to be back."
It remains to be seen if Lively or Williams will have to miss any games due to their ankle sprains. With Holmes' status doubtful, Dallas could suddenly be left with Dwight Powell and Markieff Morris as the only big man options to deploy at the five. Williams has often slid over to the five in small-ball groups when shorthanded, but it gets complicated if he cannot play, too.
The Mavs will look to build on their victory on Wednesday as they try to protect homecourt throughout a seven-game homestand.
