Is Dereck Lively playing tonight vs the Minnesota Timberwolves? Latest on Mavericks rookie's Game 5 status (May 30)
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II is available to play for Thursday night's matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. There was no confirmation earlier as he was listed as questionable to make a return to the hardcourt in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals.
The Dallas Mavericks hoped to create history on Tuesday by making the NBA Finals for the first time in 13 years. However, those hopes were crushed by a resilient Minnesota Timberwolves, who denied the Mavs the opportunity to sweep them. Minnesota won 105-100 in a hard-fought battle in Game 4 on Tuesday to force the Mavs into a Game 5 at Target Center.
However, the Mavericks still have a big advantage over the Timberwolves. They are 3-1 against the Minnesota camp in the series and need just one more win to move on to the Finals. Notably, no team in NBA history has made a playoff comeback from a three-game deficit. The Wolves would need a miracle or two to create history and become the first ones to do so.
What happened to Derreck Lively II?
Dereck Lively II did not play in the Mavericks' Game 4 loss, as he was sidelined with a neck sprain. The rookie center suffered the injury after coming into contact with Karl-Anthony Towns' knee. During a play, Lively II fell to the floor as "KAT" jumped to collect a rebound.
After the collision, the 20-year-old center was down on the floor for several minutes. Soon after, the Mavericks staff escorted him out of the court after he seemed to have a concussion.
When will Dereck Lively II return?
Dereck Lively could return as early as Game 5 of the Western Conference finals or Game 6 if the Mavs fail to beat the Wolves yet again. It will be up to his physical condition and the head coach's decision to include him or not.
Lively has become a key asset for the Mavs tactics at this point, so having him sit out another game would increase the risk of losing to the Wolves in Game 5. The rookie center has averaged 8.5 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 21.5 minutes of game time so far this postseason.
Having him around would undoubtedly bolster the Mavericks' defense. It will be interesting to see whether Luka Doncic and Co. can get over the line in Game 5 and book their ticket to the NBA Finals on Thursday.