Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II had a mixed season in 2023-24. He averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. However, the 20-year-old was limited to 55 games. Still, Lively has received positive attention from those around the National Basketball Association. He's also already made a favorable impression on new teammate Klay Thompson. "He reminds me so much of Tyson Chandler early on," said Thompson on Lively during an interview with The Dallas Morning News. "He loves being vocal, he loves defense, and he's still so young, the sky's the limit." Without question, the 2023 No. 12 overall pick has All-Star potential. But it could take him at least a few more seasons to reach his ceiling. With that in mind, he's still worthy of a spot in most fantasy lineups, although his rebounding and defensive acumen are his most valuable attributes for fantasy managers.
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II sparked back into life in Game 3 of the NBA Finals against Boston on Wednesday, producing an 11-point, 13-rebound double-double off the bench in 30 minutes. The 20-year-old rookie became the youngest player ever with double-digit rebounds in an NBA Finals game. Lively II wrapped up his line with two assists and one steal, shooting 5-for-6 from the field. The young center now boasts three double-doubles for the 2024 postseason. He played a big part in Dallas' fourth-quarter comeback effort on Wednesday, which should secure Lively II a big role in Friday's elimination game.
Dereck Lively II Quiet Again In Game 2 Versus Boston
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II finished Sunday's 105-98 loss to Boston with two points and seven rebounds in 19 minutes. He shot 1-for-3 from the field and recorded two turnovers. Lively II, who has had an outstanding playoff campaign as a rookie, hasn't been able to make an impact in the Finals. After averaging 9.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks versus Minnesota in the Western Conference Finals, the 20-year-old has been limited to 2.0 points and 6.0 rebounds with zero swats registered.
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (neck) will play on Thursday versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. The rookie injured his neck in Game 3 and wasn't available for Game 4. The team certainly could have used him, with the Mavs dropping their first game of the Western Conference Finals on Tuesday night. Of course, Lively will likely split time with Daniel Gafford. But his return should mean fewer minutes for Maxi Kleber, who returned for Game 4 after a lengthy stint on the shelf because of a shoulder injury.
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (neck) is continuing to recover from a neck sprain he suffered in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. The rookie center recently told Andscape, "It's a day-to-day thing. I'm not trying to rush it. We will see." The Mavericks hold a 3-1 series lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lively II has been an important contributor off the bench, averaging 8.5 PPG, 7.1 RPB, and 1.1 BPG in the postseason. He was unable to suit up in Game 4, but Dallas fans will be hoping he can get back on the court for Game 5 on Thursday.
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (neck) is doubtful for Tuesday's playoff meeting with Minnesota. The rookie to a knee from Karl-Anthony Towns to the back of the head on Sunday night and didn't return, with the team reporting he suffered a sprained neck. It's a tough blow for Dallas, considering Lively averaged 11.5 points and 10.0 rebounds in the first two games of the Western Conference Finals. Numerous outlets have reported that he's already been ruled out, so DFS managers shouldn't expect to see him on the floor. As a result, Daniel Gafford could spend more minutes in the middle. The Mavs could also give work to Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber (shoulder), with the latter being listed as questionable heading into Tuesday evening.
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (neck) won't return to Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals versus Minnesota. The 20-year-old has been huge for Dallas during this series, averaging 11.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists heading into Sunday night. But he left early in the contest after taking a knee from Karl-Anthony Towns to the back of his head, so he'll finish the night having logged only nine minutes. Lively's presence in the middle is needed for a Dallas team that has to deal with Towns and Rudy Gobert. With that said, the neck sprain Lively suffered will likely put him on the injury report for Game 4. If he can't go, Daniel Gafford could see more minutes in the middle, although P.J. Washington and Dwight Powell could also get work at the five.
Dereck Lively II Registers Double-Double Off The Bench
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II played a significant part in Wednesday's Game 5 victory over Oklahoma City with an 11-point, 10-rebound effort in 23 minutes off the bench. The rookie from Duke recorded his first career playoff double-double while adding one assist, one steal, and one block to his line. Lively II shot 3-for-4 from the field and 5-for-6 at the charity stripe during a highly effective performance, which saw him finish with a game-high plus-22 rating. The 20-year-old has struggled to shoot well in the series, going 10-for-28, but Wednesday night should be a good confidence booster for him for the rest of the postseason. He's averaging 7.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 21.0 minutes during his first playoff campaign.
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (knee) was on the court for the open portion of practice and fully participated in the session on Tuesday. Right knee soreness kept Lively out of action for Dallas' final eight outings of the regular season, but the dynamic rookie big man looks primed to return for the start of the Western Conference quarterfinals in Game 1 on Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers. His return would mean fewer minutes at center for Daniel Gafford from the Mavs' starting lineup, but the two interior presences would likely split playing time in the middle fairly evenly and cancel one another out from a DFS standpoint.
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (knee) will miss the rest of the regular season. This isn't surprising, considering he's made little progress toward a return to the court. However, it appears there's a chance he could be back for the playoffs, although it's too early to tell. But until Lively is back in the mix, Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington, and Maxi Kleber should hold things down underneath the rim.
