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The Dallas Mavericks returned home on Thursday following a five game road trip. Dallas went 4-1 during the trip, but they are dealing with some injury trouble. Dereck Lively II and Josh Green were ruled out against the Atlanta Hawks, as Lively battles a right knee sprain and Green deals with a right ankle sprain.
So when will Lively and Green return? Head coach Jason Kidd did not reveal specific dates for either players’ return, but he did provide loose timelines ahead of Thursday’s matchup with the Hawks.
“A week or so… Less than two weeks,” Kidd said of Green’s timeline. “He’s improved, he’s doing a lot better.”
Kidd is hopeful that Green will play at least one or two games before the postseason gets underway. With that being said, the Mavs will proceed with caution. They will not risk further injury by bringing him back too soon.
Kidd mentioned the previous two-week injury timeline for Lively, but added that the Mavericks “hope age is a factor and that he heals quickly.”
“Right now, he’s on crutches,” Kidd continued. “Hopefully, he does have the opportunity to play before the season is over.”
Lively’s chances of returning before the end of the regular season seem to be less certain. Still, there is a chance. Either way, the Mavericks will hope that both players will be ready to go before the playoffs.
Dereck Lively II has excelled during rookie season
Lively, 20, has averaged 8.8 points per game during the 2023-24 season. He has also recorded 6.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per outing.
The Mavericks needed a reliable post presence early in the year and Lively answered the call. Daniel Gafford has been a welcome addition since Dallas acquired him at the trade deadline, and together the Mavericks centers make up one of the better big man duos in the sport.
So, there is no question that Lively is going to be missed over the next couple of weeks. Sure, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving receive no shortage of attention. Still, Dereck Lively II has played a pivotal role in 2023-24 and the Mavericks understand how important he is to the team’s success.
Josh Green has stepped up for Mavericks
Josh Green’s prowess from beyond the arc has not been lost on the Mavs. The fourth-year player is shooting just over 40 percent from deep. He’s an excellent corner three-point threat as well, which is perfect for a team that features drive-and-kick superstars like Doncic and Irving.
Overall, Green is averaging 8.5 points per contest on 49.3 percent field goal and 40.1 percent three-point shooting. He’s capable of starting or coming off the bench, as evidenced by his 54 games played (32 starts).
Green will be a valuable player in the postseason for the Mavericks without question. Perhaps he can return soon and play in a few games before the end of the season to shake off any post-injury rust.
Both Lively and Green’s injury statuses will be worth closely monitoring as the 2023-24 campaign winds down. We will continue to monitor and provide updates as they are made available.
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