Bad news for Dallas: Dereck Lively II expected to be out for 2-3 months
A tough blow for the Dallas Mavericks: center Dereck Lively II has suffered a small fracture in his foot and is expected to be sidelined for 2-3 months. The big man, selected by the Mavericks with the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has averaged 9.1 points per game this season, along with 7.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and a remarkable 70.1% shooting from the field in 24 minutes per game. This is a significant setback for the Texans, who are already without their star Luka Dončić, who is expected to return in February after a long absence, and Dante Exum, Jaden Hardy, Dwight Powell. Also doubtful for the upcoming game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and evaluated day-to-day, are Klay Thompson, Quentin Grimes, and Naji Marshall.