Dallas Mavericks center Derek Lively has a fractured foot and is expected to be out for 2-3 months, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday.
The news is a blow to the Mavericks and Lively, who was experiencing a breakout in his second NBA season. Prior to Wednesday’s report, Lively had been out three games with what the team previously diagnosed as a high ankle sprain.
In 32 games, including 25 starts this season, Lively averaged 9.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.7 blocks while shooting 70.1% from the field in 24 minutes per game .
Lively split time at center with veteran Daniel Gafford. Gafford plans to take over the bulk of the minutes at the position in Lively’s absence. Maxi Kleber is in line for a larger reserve role.
Lively is the latest injury to a Mavericks starter. Luka Dončić remains sidelined due to a calf injury he suffered over Christmas. The All-NBA guard missed 13 games due to the injury. Kyrie Irving recently returned from a bulging disc in his back that kept him sidelined for five games.
The Mavericks are off to a 23-20 start after winning the Western Conference last season. They entered Wednesday in seventh place in the West. Depending on the 2-3 month timeline, Lively could return in time for the playoffs, if he qualifies. Dallas is scheduled to conclude its regular season on April 13.
