Thu Jan 23 00:10:00 IST 2025: **Mavericks Center Dereck Lively II Out Two to Three Months with Foot Fracture**

DALLAS, TX – The Dallas Mavericks are facing another significant blow to their already injury-ravaged roster. Starting center Dereck Lively II has been diagnosed with a small fracture in his right foot and is expected to be sidelined for two to three months, ESPN sources reported Wednesday.

Lively, 20, had missed the previous three games and was listed as questionable for Wednesday night’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, further testing revealed the fracture. The promising rookie had become a key contributor this season, averaging 9.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.7 blocks while shooting 70.1% from the floor. His absence adds to the Mavericks’ woes, who have already struggled with injuries to Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.

Dončić, who strained his left calf on Christmas, is scheduled for a reevaluation in the coming days, but his return remains uncertain. Irving is also dealing with a bulging disk in his back, an injury he expects to manage for the remainder of the season.

While Daniel Gafford is expected to step into the starting center role, his presence alone won’t fully compensate for Lively’s absence. The Mavericks are also without third-string center Dwight Powell, who is out with a right hip strain. The team, currently 23-20, has lost 10 of their last 14 games. Lively’s injury further complicates their playoff push.

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