Mavericks center Dereck Lively II appears close to getting back on the court, as Shams Charania of ESPN reports that he’s expected to return Friday when Dallas faces the Clippers.
Lively has missed the past nine games after suffering a right knee sprain on October 26, an injury that halted his start to the season.
When reporters asked him Friday if he would indeed suit up, Lively didn’t directly confirm the news but hinted with a smile, responding, “Time will tell” in a video shared by Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News.
Lively’s return would provide much-needed relief for a Dallas frontcourt that hasn’t been fully healthy since the season opened.
Daniel Gafford was out for the first five games with a sprained ankle, and by the time he was available on November 1, Lively was already sidelined with his knee issue.
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis has remained out with a calf strain.
A recent report indicated that team governor Patrick Dumont wants medical assurance that Davis won’t risk re-injury before he approves the star’s return.
Before the knee sprain, Lively – who underwent ankle surgery over the summer – started the Mavericks’ first three games.
His role was limited but productive, averaging 5.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.3 blocks in 16.7 minutes per game, while converting 7 of 9 field goals. Dallas also posted a +11.8 net rating during the 51 minutes he was on the court.
Friday’s matchup at American Airlines Center features two teams that came into the season with playoff expectations but have struggled early. The Mavericks enter the night at 3-9, while the Clippers sit at 3-8.
Mavs' Dereck Lively Expected To Return Friday https://t.co/Jy66qQapG9 pic.twitter.com/eTiV6w2Hy8
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) November 14, 2025
