The Game 5 between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight might decide the fate of the Mavs ahead. After Dereck Lively II’s departure in Game 3 due to a neck sprain, the team’s defense is not as strong as in the first three games. Anthony Edwards and Co. took advantage of it in the last game and created pressure on the opponents. However, the Mavs management updated Lively’s injury status as questionable in their latest injury report. So there are still chances that the star rookie will appear in tonight’s game. However, American reporter and sportscaster Rachel Nichols shared a different side of Lively’s absence from the court on her show ‘Undisputed.’

The first piece of information that Rachel shared was a bit upsetting for Mavs fans as she stated, “On Tuesday night, he[Lively] was walking into the tunnel, and someone called his name, and he couldn’t turn his head. So that’s not a great sign.” Considering Nichols’ update, the Mavericks might be in deep trouble with a hole in their defense. Moreover, even if Dereck Lively II’s status is questionable, it would not be good for his team to let him play in Game 5. The 20-year-old is an important asset for the Mavs. Interestingly, they still have the upper hand over the Wolves in the series, and more damage to Lively will trouble them in the finals.

As per Rachel, Lively will get in a “concussion protocol” if he is not able to move his head in a certain way. Notably, Lively suffered KAT’s knee to his head accidentally during Game 3, resulting in a neck sprain. Moving forward, it benefitted the Wolves camp as Anthony Edwards blasted through the Mavs’ defense from the start. Even Nichols agreed with Lively factor as he further said, “If he’s out again, that’s a huge advantage for Anthony Edwards.”

In the latest update from ESPN insider Tim MacMahon, the Mavs rookie is declared more of a “discomfort” rather than “pain”. However, Lively will go through more intense individual workouts to “figure out what I can do.”

Dereck Lively II’s impact on the Mavericks game so far

The Dallas Mavericks center has been dominating the opponents throughout the regular season, making it up to the First Team All-Rookie. However, his performance in the 2024 NBA Playoffs has been on a different level. Even after going out in Game 3, he had put up plus/minus numbers of +19, +26, and +22. In all of those games, his team secured a win over the Wolves. He has accumulated one of the best-ever plus-minus averages for a rookie in NBA history so far.

More than the stats on the court, Lively has been a great rim protector so far. Moreover, he has blocked the shots of one of the toughest opponents, affecting them mentally. Being one of the best screeners in the NBA, he is a big floor support for the Mavericks. In his absence in Game 4, the Wolves slowed down the Mavs’ offense in starting 10 minutes. Despite missing the versatility, Lively is versed in living up to his designated role.

Therefore, it will be worth watching how the Wolves are going to respond to the Mavs’ in Game 5. Though Dereck Lively II is still in doubt about the game, his fans are expecting him to play. Moreover, things will get clear till the teams come out on the court tonight. Till then, watch out for what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, had to say about the marketing genius; watch this video.