NBA
How serious is Dereck Lively II’s injury? Will he play today against the Timberwolves? Injury update
Dereck Lively II’s injury sent fans into shock in the stands. Here’s the latest on the rookie’s physical issue.
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II was walked off the court in his side’s 116-107 win in the Western Conference finals game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves last Sunday night. The 20-year-old was escorted off by medical professionals after being struck in the back of the head by Karl-Anthony Towns’ knee in the second quarter of the game.
The accidental collision caused his head to snap forward; the rookie from Duke remained on the court, clutching his head, with fans anxious to know if he would be able to continue: Lively stayed down for several minutes before eventually being helped off. Looking extremely dazed, the player was then taken to the locker room and replaced by Dwight Powell.
How serious is Dereck Lively II’s injury?
Lively underwent scans after the game and has now been listed as ‘doubtful’ for game 4 against the Timberwolves.
The Mavericks initially listed him as questionable at halftime with a neck sprain before ruling him out in the third quarter and as of Sunday night, he was not in the NBA’s concussion protocol.
The Mavs will be hoping for a swift return for the rookie, however, who has been a key part of their side in the tough battle against the Timberwolves so far. The Philadelphia-born center has stepped into the shoes of the (also injured) Maxi Kleber, getting 20 rebounds against their taller opponents.
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Selected 12th in the 2023 draft from Duke, Lively has become a standout for the Mavericks, playing a crucial role in their journey to the Western Conference finals. As an All-Rookie team honoree, he averaged 8.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 blocks off the bench over 14 playoff games leading up to Sunday. His +108 for the postseason is the second-best plus/minus by a rookie since 1997 (per TNT).
The Timberwolves and Mavericks will go at it again at American Airlines Center in Dallas on Tuesday night (8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30p.m. PT) for Game 4 when Minnesota will be looking to avoid a sweep and force Game 5 in Minneapolis on Thursday.