Mavericks Fear Extended Absence for Dereck Lively II Amid Ongoing Injury Troubles

The Dallas Mavericks entered the week expecting good news on one front, with forward Anthony Davis nearing a return, but received a far more concerning update regarding starting center Dereck Lively II. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the 21-year-old big man may miss significant time as he continues to deal with complications from a right foot injury.

Lively was held out of Monday’s game in Miami for “right foot injury management,” and the latest reports indicate the team is preparing for the possibility that his absence could extend much longer. The setback adds to what has already been a challenging early season as Dallas navigates multiple injuries across the roster.

Foot issues have plagued Lively throughout his young career, including offseason surgery that limited his participation earlier this year. A recent knee problem only added another layer of difficulty, hindering his availability both in training camp and the opening stretch of the regular season.

With Lively appearing in only seven of Dallas’ first 19 games, the Mavericks now face the reality of continuing their campaign without a key interior presence—one they hoped would form a long-term frontcourt foundation alongside rising star Cooper Flagg.

1. A Career Marked by Interruptions

Lively’s injury history has been a persistent theme since he entered the league. As a rookie in 2023–24, he appeared in 55 games—promising but far from a full season. The following year, that number fell to 36 as injuries repeatedly interrupted his progress and consistency. This season has been even more limited. With just seven appearances in the opening quarter of the campaign, Lively has struggled to gain rhythm or build continuity within the Mavericks’ evolving system. His combination of length, athleticism, and defensive upside remains appealing, but availability continues to be the primary obstacle. Dallas still views him as a potential long-term pillar, particularly in lineups featuring Flagg’s scoring and defensive versatility. But the Mavericks understand that long-term value hinges on Lively’s ability to stay healthy over extended stretches. Now, facing what Stein described as an “extended injury absence,” Dallas must once again recalibrate expectations and confront its frontcourt depth issues head-on.

2. Dallas’ Frontcourt Depth Tested Yet Again

With Lively sidelined, the Mavericks will lean more heavily on Daniel Gafford, who has managed to stay available despite his own early-season ailments. Gafford’s rim protection and energy will be crucial as Dallas navigates a dense portion of its schedule. Anthony Davis’ expected return provides some relief, but relying too heavily on a player just coming back from injury presents its own risks. The Mavericks ideally want to manage Davis’ minutes carefully as he reintegrates into the rotation. The team’s interior presence has fluctuated throughout the season, and Lively’s absence forces Dallas to consider alternative combinations—including smaller, faster lineups or expanded roles for reserve bigs. With defensive rebounding and rim protection already areas of concern, each adjustment carries trade-offs. Dallas understands that the margin for error narrows significantly without Lively. His size and mobility help anchor the back line, and filling that void consistently will require a collective effort from the rotation.

3. Looking Ahead as Dallas Awaits More Clarity

The Mavericks have not yet provided a formal timetable for Lively’s return, and updates are expected as more evaluation takes place. Given his recent surgery and recurring issues, the team is likely to approach his recovery with caution. Dallas’ next test arrives Friday night against the Los Angeles Lakers, a matchup that underscores the urgency of stabilizing the rotation in Lively’s absence. With Davis nearing a return and Gafford absorbing a heavier load, the Mavericks will attempt to maintain defensive structure and offensive balance through collective adjustments. As they await more definitive medical information, the organization faces both short-term challenges and long-term considerations. Preserving Lively’s health remains a priority, but the team must also remain competitive in a crowded Western Conference. For now, Dallas continues to walk the line between immediate needs and future planning—hoping Lively’s latest setback does not become another prolonged chapter in an already complicated injury history.