Mavericks Injury Updates: Dereck Lively II Returning? Kyrie Irving Out for Christmas Day vs. Suns?
The Phoenix Suns might provide a significant boost to Luka Doncic’s injury-ravaged team as the Dallas Mavericks get ready to play them.
Key role player Josh Green and co-star Doncic Kyrie Irving are still sidelined due to an elbow sprain and heel contusion, respectively. Breakout rookie big man Dereck Lively II is labeled as questionable after missing the previous four games due to an ankle sprain.
Although it goes without saying that Irving is crucial to the Mavs’ goals for the season, Lively has been Dallas’ second-most valuable player behind Doncic. The Mavericks are winless without Lively, and their lone victory came against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night in a 144-119 rout.
In 23 games, Lively is shooting a league-best 73.4 percent from the floor and averaging 8.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 25.3 minutes. It is crucial for Doncic to have a versatile, rim-rolling center who can also serve as a defensive anchor, just as much as it is for him to have another elite backcourt partner. Lively is just that, and the Mavs have already noticed the instant advantages.
Prior to their game on Christmas Day against the Mavs, the Suns had a dismal 14-14 record, even after assembling a formidable ‘Big 3’ in Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. Dallas, however, has fared well at 17-12, particularly considering the number of injuries that have happened. We’ll watch to see if Doncic and maybe Lively can defeat the Suns on their home court on Christmas.