Dallas Basketball

Key Maverick A Late Scratch Against Indiana Pacers

The second-year sensation is out for tonight's matchup against Indiana.
Keenan Womack|
Oct 28, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Utah Jazz at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Oct 28, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Utah Jazz at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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According to the Mavericks PR Twitter/X account, center Dereck Lively II will be out tonight with a right shoulder sprain. The news comes before Dallas tips against the Indiana Pacers at 8:45 C.T. this evening.

With Lively II out tonight, it will be up to Daniel Gafford to deal with Myles Turner and the rest of the Indiana frontcourt. Along with the aforementioned Gafford, Lively II has been part of a very impressive center rotation and has averaged 9.3 points, 8.7 rebounds per game, and 2.5 assists.

He's taken major steps forward in what is his second season in the NBA, upping not just his rim protection but also his passing game with the previously noted increase in assists. He's shooting over 70% from the field and has been one of the elite play finishers in all of basketball this season.

He suffered the injury during warmups for the game. While this is a big loss for Dallas without a doubt, this is the reason the Mavericks went out and acquired Gafford. Due to this injury, it's likely power forward Dwight Powell will see an increased role as a pick-and-roll big who can catch lobs for Luka Doncic.

Hopefully, the injury is nothing major going forward and Lively II will be able to come back and play the Mavericks' next game against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, November 6. Until then, fans will have to hold tight and await more news on the severity of his shoulder sprain.

READ MORE: Breaking Down Pacers Lineup Ahead of Mavs Monday Matchup

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Keenan Womack
KEENAN WOMACK

Keenan Womack is a sportswriter native to Dallas, Texas, who has spent the last 12 years in Austin, the home of his alma mater, the University of Texas. Keenan has covered sports for SB Nation, Bleacher Report, Rivals/Orangebloods, a host of his own sites and now, Fan Nation. Focusing on basketball, Keenan was on the beat for the Longhorns hoops team for the last two-and-a-half years before moving on to pursue other opportunities. He is married and lives with his wife close to the Moody Center, so they can continue to catch games together.

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