Tonight’s game between Dallas and Minnesota could decide the Mavs’ playoff future. After missing their chance of sweeping the Wolves on Tuesday, the Mavs will head into enemy territory for Game 5, hoping to close out the series. And to finish the job, they will need their roster completely healthy and available. But their star rookie Dereck Lively II has been out with a severe neck sprain since he took a hit from KAT in the third game. Amid uncertainty around Lively’s availability for the next game, the Mavs fanbase received some positive news about the rookie ahead of the crucial encounter.

Lively had not made a complete recovery and his status on the latest injury report was upgraded to questionable. So, there was a chance of seeing the rookie suiting up. Notably, there’s been a solid development on the Game day and the youngster was spotted dunking during his warmups. Tim Hardaway Jr. also blurted to the cameraman, “He’s ready to roll, in case y’all didn’t already know.”

Cutting closer to the deadline, Grant Afseth provided more clarity on his status. On X, he confirmed, “Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (neck sprain) is available to play Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves”. But what had happened to him?

In a scary sight during the second quarter of Game 3, Lively was accidentally struck on the back of his head by KAT’s knee with great force. As Lively lost his balance after trying to block a shot, he fell straight into KAT’s path while the Wolves Center jumped for a rebound. Immediately holding his head and writhing in pain, Lively couldn’t get up off the floor for a long time, leaving his teammates and the Mavs fans highly concerned. Then, he would be carried off the court by his teammates and would not return for the rest of the night. Later diagnosed with a severe neck sprain, Lively missed Monday’s practice and could not play on Tuesday. And the Mavs lost without him. So, the possibility of his return and his upgraded status has given some hope to the team.

Dereck Lively II Stats

Yes, Lively was not a star prospect and did not get the coverage and attention like some of the other rookies in his draft class. However, he might have had the most successful rookie season of them all. Setting timely picks for Luka and Kyrie, scoring when his team needs him to, and most importantly, holding the Mavs’ defense together, Lively has proven that he is meant for the grand stage of the playoffs. Not only that, he is also putting up decent numbers despite playing alongside two superstars, averaging 8.5 points and over seven rebounds in these playoffs.

And on the defensive end, he has been equally impressive, averaging over one block per night. Even in the last game, where he wasn’t able to play, a returning Maxi Kleber replaced Lively in the lineup. But the veteran Center failed to have the impact that the rookie usually has on the court. Spending thirteen minutes on the floor, Kleber finished with only two points. Maybe some of it had to do with him being rusty after missing so many games due to injury. Therefore, the Mavs desperately need Lively back in the lineup tonight because he understands the Wolves’ offense and knows how to function through it.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow in what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.