April 28, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA: In game four of the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center, Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) reacts after dunking during the first half against the LA Clippers. Credit Required: Kevin Jairaj, USA
This Thursday night, the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves will square off in the 2024 Western Conference finals once more. But without rookie big man Dereck Lively II, they could have to try finishing off Anthony Edwards and the T’wolves again.
Dereck Lively II has been elevated to questionable for tomorrow night’s Mavericks vs. Timberwolves game. His neck sprain kept him out of Game 4 and caused him to miss a most of Game 3.
With the same neck issue that kept him out of Game 4, Lively is also classified as questionable on the official NBA injury report for Thursday.
Prior to the injury, Lively was one of the Mavericks’ most dependable auxiliary weapons. He is averaging 9.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game so far in the series. In the series, he is also shooting 100% from the field. In addition, Lively is leading the Mavs in offensive rebounds per game as they go through the conference finals.
