After missing seven games due to a broken nose, Dallas Mavericks rookie big man Dereck Lively II will return to action against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night.
After being listed as questionable for the Dallas Mavericks’ Wednesday night game against the San Antonio Spurs, rookie big man Dereck Lively II has been cleared to return to action after missing seven consecutive games due to a broken nose sustained in a 131-129 win over the Orlando Magic on Jan. 29.
Lively, who turned 20 on Monday and was serenaded by the American Airlines Center fans during the Mavs’ victory over the Washington Wizards, has been a crucial piece for Dallas despite being a rookie. He averages 9.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 73.9 percent from the floor, and the Mavs are 9-9 without him this season.
However, Lively’s role will change on Wednesday because he will no longer be expected to be the Mavs’ sole defensive anchor now that Daniel Gafford has joined the team. Gafford has averaged 17.5 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks in two games since joining the Mavericks in a trade with the Wizards just before the deadline.
Having either Lively or Gafford on the court at all times should benefit the Mavs’ defense in the long run… and it will surely make things simpler for Dallas’ great backcourt of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
The previous time Lively faced Spurs Rookie of the Year candidate Victor Wembanyama, it was in the season opener at San Antonio, and the Mavs won 126-119. Lively perhaps outperformed Wembanyama in that game, finishing with 16 points, 10 rebounds, one block, and one steal while shooting 7-8 from the field and adding a +20 in 30 minutes off the bench.
The Mavericks hope to extend their current league-high five-game winning streak to six games with a victory over a Spurs team that has lost eight of its past nine games. Check back later at DallasBasketball.com for comprehensive post-game coverage.
