Tim MacMahon Talks Mavs Center Dereck Lively II's Injury

Dereck Lively II's Absence

Tim MacMahon, an ESPN NBA insider, recently discussed the injury to Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II. Lively has missed the Mavericks' last four games due to a sprained right shoulder.

Injury Details

According to MacMahon, Lively suffered the injury in the Mavericks' Feb. 11 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. He attempted to block a Jaren Jackson Jr. dunk but landed awkwardly on his shoulder. X-rays came back negative, but an MRI revealed a sprain.

Lively's Importance

Lively has been a key contributor for the Mavericks this season, averaging 8.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. He has started 26 of the 57 games he has played in.

Return Timeline

MacMahon reports that Lively is expected to miss at least two more weeks. This means he is likely to miss the Mavericks' next five games, including a matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 26.

Mavs' Play Without Lively

In Lively's absence, the Mavericks have gone 2-2, with wins over the Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings and losses to the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers. Christian Wood has started at center in Lively's place.

Playoff Implications

The Mavericks are currently 32-29 and in sixth place in the Western Conference standings. They are three games behind the fifth-place Sacramento Kings and two games ahead of the seventh-place Minnesota Timberwolves. Lively's injury could impact the Mavericks' playoff chances if he is unable to return before the end of the regular season.