Dereck Lively II News, Rumors, Updates - Dallas Mavericks

Not ready to resume running Lively (foot) still hasn't progressed to running yet, per Christian Clark of The Athletic.

Impact Lively is walking and lifting weights, though he's not quite ready to enter the next phase of his rehab. The 22-year-old big man is recovering from right foot surgery, which cut his season short in December of last yar, and it remains uncertain if he'll be a full participant in training camp this fall. The Mavericks did take Morez Johnson with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft to improve its frontcourt, but Lively remains the most likely candidate to open next season as Dallas' starting center.

JUNE 26 • ROTOWIRE

Position on depth chart in jeopardy Lively (foot) faces increased competition for minutes heading into the 2026-27 campaign, especially with the Mavericks selecting Morez Johnson with the No. 9 overall pick in the 20...

Impact Lively hasn't lived up to expectations through his first three seasons in the NBA. Although the 22-year-old is a talented player, the real concern is his durability. After appearing in 55 games as a rookie, Lively played in 36 contests in his second year. However, things were worse in the 2025-26 campaign, with the 2023 No. 12 overall pick suiting up for only seven games before eventually undergoing season-ending foot surgery. Dallas has plenty of big bodies entering the season, though it's unknown how head coach Dusty May will divide the workload. One thing is clear; time is running out for Lively to prove he can stay healthy. In fact, it may already be too late. With that in mind, Johnson isn't a true center, but even if the former Wolverine plays the position in a limited capacity for the Mavericks in 2026-27, he might surpass Lively on the depth chart sooner rather than later.

JUNE 26 • ROTOWIRE

Undergoes surgery on right foot Lively successfully underwent surgery on his right foot Sunday.

Impact Lively sought out multiple opinions on his right foot, but it was ultimately determined that season-ending surgery was the best course of action for the third-year center, and he's expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2026-27 season. Daniel Gafford and Dwight Powell will continue to serve as the main big men for Dallas behind Anthony Davis in Lively's absence.

DECEMBER 21, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

To undergo season-ending surgery Lively (foot) will undergo season-ending surgery, ESPN's Shams Charania reports.

Impact Lively sought multiple opinions on his right foot, but it was determined that this was the best course of action. Lively is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2026-27 season. He made just seven appearances in 2025-26, posting averages of 4.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists. Daniel Gafford is likely to have a higher floor in fantasy following this news, and Moussa Cisse is likely to receive more opportunities.

DECEMBER 10, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Considered out indefinitely The Mavericks announced Thursday that Lively (foot) has no timetable for a return, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Impact Lively is getting multiple opinions regarding the swelling and discomfort in his right foot. It sounds like the third-year center can be labeled as week-to-week until the next steps in his recovery are determined. Dallas should continue to lean on Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford (ankle) for the center minutes.

DECEMBER 4, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Still out Lively (foot) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Heat.

Impact Lively will miss his sixth consecutive contest due to a right foot injury, and he can be considered doubtful ahead of Friday's game against the Thunder. With the third-year center remaining on the shelf, Daniel Gafford (ankle) should continue to see increased run if he's cleared to play.

DECEMBER 2, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

To miss at least three games Lively (foot) will miss the next three games and will be re-evaluated in seven-to-ten days, the Mavericks announced Tuesday.

Impact This follows up a previous report from NBA reporter Marc Stein that indicated the Mavericks were fearful of the center missing extended time. Lively is currently being evaluated for swelling and discomfort in his right foot, and that's notable since it's the same foot he had offseason surgery on. This means Lively will be sidelined through Dec. 1, with an earliest possible return date of Dec. 3 against the Heat. Fantasy managers should brace for a longer absence, however. In the meantime, Daniel Gafford is likely to see a bump in fantasy appeal.

NOVEMBER 25, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Could miss extended time According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, it is feared that the Mavericks could face an extended injury absence for Lively (foot).

Impact Lively missed Monday's game against Miami for right foot injury management, but he may be dealing with something more severe based on this report. Lively has appeared in just seven games thus far after offseason foot surgery, and the center can't seem to stay on the floor. Fantasy managers will need to sit tight until more clarity is known.

NOVEMBER 25, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out for Monday Lively (foot) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Heat.

Impact Lively will miss Monday's contest due to right foot injury management, marking his second consecutive absence. With the third-year center sidelined, Moussa Cisse and Dwight Powell are candidates for increased minutes behind Daniel Gafford.

NOVEMBER 23, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play Saturday Lively (knee/rest) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Grizzlies.

Impact As expected, Lively will take a seat for the second half of Dallas' back-to-back set after posting four points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block in 18 minutes off the bench during Friday's win over the Pelicans. In his absence, Daniel Gafford should start at center, with Moussa Cisse carving out a larger role in the frontcourt.

NOVEMBER 22, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Not starting Friday Lively is not in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Pelicans.

Impact The Mavericks will start Daniel Gafford at center, and while Lively is expected to see action, he's still playing under a minutes restriction. That limit conspires against his fantasy upside, as he's yet to log more than 21 minutes in a single game this season.

NOVEMBER 22, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Available after all Updating a previous report, Lively (knee) is available for Friday's game against the Pelicans, per Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com.

Impact The Mavericks mistakenly ruled Lively out as a late scratch for Friday with a knee sprain, but the big man is suiting up after all. He should continue handle fewer than 20 minutes until Dallas loosens up his restrictions following an extended absence, per Kevin Gray Jr. of AllDLLS.com reports.

NOVEMBER 21, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out Friday Lively is out for Friday's game against the Pelicans due to a right knee sprain.

Impact Lively is a late addition to the injury report, and the big man won't be an option for Friday, thinning the team's depth in a frontcourt that was already missing Anthony Davis (calf). Daniel Gafford is expected to see an uptick in minutes with Lively out.

NOVEMBER 21, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Double-digit boards Wednesday Lively finished Wednesday's 113-111 loss to the Knicks with four points (1-3 FG, 2-2 FT), 10 rebounds, one assist and three blocks across 18 minutes.

Impact The 10 boards were a season high and the three rejections also tied his best effort of the campaign, albeit in only six games played. Knee trouble has limited Lively's availability in the early going, but he appears to be rounding into form, and despite averaging only 15.7 minutes in three games since returning to action he's produced 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks.

NOVEMBER 20, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Starting Wednesday Lively is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's matchup with the Knicks.

Impact Lively took a maintenance day on the second leg of a back-to-back set Monday, but he'll be back in action Wednesday night and the starter designation suggests his minutes limits have been lifted. Joining him in the first unit will be Brandon Williams, Klay Thompson, Max Christie and P.J. Washington.

NOVEMBER 20, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Good to go Wednesday Lively (knee) has been cleared to play Wednesday against the Knicks, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

Impact Lively was initially added to the injury report as probable and has since been given the green light after making it through pregame warmups. The big man has appeared in five games this season, averaging 4.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.4 blocks in 15.8 minutes.

NOVEMBER 20, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Probable for Wednesday Lively (knee) is probable for Wednesday's game against the Knicks.

Impact After getting a maintenance day for Monday's game against the Timberwolves, Lively is expected back in the rotation. He's likely to have heavy restrictions moving forward, as the center has had some serious trouble staying healthy. Moussa Cisse is expected to lose some steam with Daniel Gafford (ankle) also considered probable.

NOVEMBER 18, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play Monday Lively (knee) is out for Monday's game against the Timberwolves, Alan Horton of the Timberwolves Radio Network reports.

Impact Monday's game is the second leg of a back-to-back set, but despite seeing just 12 minutes Sunday, the Mavericks will hold Lively out as a precaution. Daniel Gafford (ankle) is also out, meaning the Mavericks could rely heavily on Moussa Cisse. Dwight Powell could be in line for more run as well.

NOVEMBER 17, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Blocks a shot and snatches a steal Lively notched four points (1-3 FG, 2-2 FT), five rebounds, one steal, one block and one turnover in 17 minutes during Friday's 133-127 double overtime loss to the Clippers.

Impact Lively was on an 18-minute cap in his first game back, so he wasn't able to help his team during either overtime period. However, he moved around well and collected two stocks, so his return has to be considered a success. Unfortunately, the Mavs have a Sunday-Monday, back-to-back set coming up, so Lively will likely need to return to the sidelines for one of those games.

NOVEMBER 15, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

To play 15-18 minutes Lively will be limited to 15-18 minutes during Friday's game against the Clippers, Christian Clark of The Athletic reports.

Impact Lively is making his first appearance since Oct. 26 after missing nine consecutive games with a sprained knee. Given the lengthy layoff, Lively will be limited to no more than 18 minutes during Friday's contest. He should share center duties with Daniel Gafford.

NOVEMBER 15, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Cleared to return Friday Lively (knee) will return to action Friday against the Clippers, ESPN's Shams Charania reports.

Impact Lively is set to return after a nine-game absence. Given his injury history, it's likely that he's going to face restrictions in his first couple games back. With Lively back in the mix, Daniel Gafford's floor will likely be a bit lower, and Moussa Cisse could see his role fade.

NOVEMBER 14, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Remains questionable for Friday Lively (knee) is questionable for Friday's game against the Clippers, Christian Clark of The Athletic reports.

Impact Lively has missed the past nine games for Dallas, but he'll be listed as questionable for the second time in a row, indicating that his return is on the horizon. If he remains sidelined, Moussa Cisse could remain heavily involved behind Daniel Gafford at the center spot, especially with Anthony Davis' (calf) status still in the air.

NOVEMBER 13, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Out again Lively (knee) won't play in Wednesday's game against the Suns, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

Impact Lively earned a questionable tag for Wednesday's contest -- his first since going down with a knee sprain nine games ago. However, he isn't ready to return. Daniel Gafford, Moussa Cisse and Dwight Powell should handle most of the center work Wednesday. Lively's next chance to play will come Friday against LAC.

NOVEMBER 13, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable for Wednesday Lively (knee) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Suns.

Impact The questionable tag is a positive sign for Lively, who has missed the Mavericks' last eight games due to a right knee sprain. If the 21-year-old center is ultimately ruled out for Wednesday's contest, Moussa Cisse and Dwight Powell are candidates for an uptick in minutes, especially if Anthony Davis (calf) is downgraded from questionable to out.

NOVEMBER 11, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out Monday Lively (knee) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Bucks, Noah Weber of TheSmokingCuban.com reports.

Impact Lively will miss his eighth straight game due to a sprained right knee, and his next chance to suit up will come Wednesday against Phoenix. With Anthony Davis (calf) and Lively sidelined, Moussa Cisse and Dwight Powell are candidates for an uptick in minutes.

NOVEMBER 11, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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