Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II out 2-3 months with foot fracture

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II is expected to miss two to three months due to a small fracture in his foot, according to an ESPN report on Wednesday.

The 7-foot-1 Lively, sidelined since a January 14 game against the Denver Nuggets, is one of several Mavericks dealing with injuries this season.

On the court, Lively has been a strong presence, averaging 9.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.7 blocks across 32 games, including 25 starts. The 19-year-old will celebrate his 20th birthday next month.

The Mavericks have faced significant setbacks recently, including the loss of superstar Luka Doncic to a left calf injury sustained on Christmas Day. At that point, Dallas held a solid 19-10 record. Since then, the team has struggled, posting a 4-10 record and dropping out of a guaranteed playoff position in the Western Conference.

Doncic, 25, continues to sit out, adding to the team's long list of injuries ahead of their Wednesday night matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Doncic is averaging an impressive 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists this season.

Also listed as questionable for the game against Minnesota are Klay Thompson (ankle), Naji Marshall (illness), and Quentin Grimes (back).

SportsLigue