Mavs vs. Spurs Injury Update: Dereck Lively II Returns to Face Victor Wembanyama After 7-Game Absence
After being listed as questionable to play in the Dallas Mavericks' Wednesday night matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, rookie big man Dereck Lively II has officially been cleared to return to action after missing seven consecutive games due to a broken nose he suffered in a 131-129 win over the Orlando Magic on Jan. 29.
Lively, who just turned 20 years old on Monday and was serenaded by the American Airlines Center crowd during the Mavs' win over the Washington Wizards, has been an important piece for Dallas despite being a rookie. He's averaging 9.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 73.9 percent from the field, and the Mavs are 9-9 on the season when he doesn't suit up.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
There will be a different dynamic for Lively on Wednesday, though, as he won't be pressured to be the Mavs' only defensive anchor now that Daniel Gafford is part of the mix. Since the Mavs acquired Gafford in a trade from the Wizards before the deadline, he's averaging 17.5 points, 13.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks through two games played.
Having a full 48 minutes with either Lively or Gafford on the floor at all times should do wonders for the Mavs' defense going forward ... and it will certainly make life a little easier for Dallas' star backcourt of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
The last time Lively matched up with Spurs' Rookie of the Year candidate Victor Wembanyama, it was the season opener in San Antonio where the Mavs came away with a 126-119 win. Lively arguably outplayed Wembanyama in that game, as he finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds, one block and one steal while shooting 7-8 from the field and being a +20 in 30 minutes off the bench.
The Mavs are trying to extend their current league-high five-game winning streak to six games with a win over a Spurs team that has lost eight of its last nine contests. Check back in at DallasBasketball.com later on for extensive coverage following the game.
