Only one more win separates the Mavericks from a spot in the 2024 NBA Finals. Dallas entered Thursday's game against the Timberwolves with a shot at closing out the Western Conference Finals on the road after building a 3-1 series lead over Minnesota.
The Mavericks missed out on an opportunity to sweep the Timberwolves in Game 4 without star rookie Dereck Lively II. Lively was injured during Game 3 of the series, and his status is worth monitoring moving forward.
The No. 12 pick from the 2023 NBA Draft is averaging 8.5 points and 7.1 rebounds in roughly 21 minutes of action for the Mavericks. Lively has been one of the best bench options for Jason Kidd's team.
Here's what we know about Lively's injury and his status for the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
MORE: How many NBA teams have come back from 3-0 series deficits?
What is Dereck Lively's injury?
During Game 3 of the Mavericks-Timberwolves series, Lively took an inadvertent knee from Minnesota star Karl-Anthony Towns. There was a scramble for a rebound, and as Lively fell to the hardwood, he was struck by Towns' knee in the back of the head.
Dereck Lively took a knee to the back of the head.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 27, 2024
Hope he is OK. 🙏
pic.twitter.com/5IwhBRF46S
The Dallas rookie needed a moment to gather himself, but he stood up on his own. However, it was evident he was in discomfort. He was helped to the locker room, and the injury was ruled as a neck sprain, according to TNT Sports' Chris Haynes.
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II is questionable to return with a neck sprain.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 27, 2024
Due to the nature of the injury, Lively had to be evaluated for a concussion but he passed, per the NBA's concussion protocol.
Lively had another scare in Game 5, taking a shot to the back of the head from Naz Reid.
Naz Reid was assessed a flagrant 1 after hitting Dereck Lively II in the back of the head.
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) May 31, 2024
Lively was already dealing with a neck strain after being kneed in the back of the neck in Game 3
pic.twitter.com/HfBWU8AbPF
Lively shook that one off, too, collecting himself during a replay review before remaining on the floor to take his free throws.
MORE: Why Luka Doncic has been on Dallas' injury report during 2024 playoffs
How long is Derek Lively out?
Lively was made available for Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals on Thursday, per Haynes.
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (neck sprain) will be made available for Game 5 tonight.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 30, 2024
Lively traveled with the team to Minnesota on Wednesday and completed a 10-minute workout after the team's shootaround on Thursday to test the injury. He also went through his regular pregame routine intending to play and was cleared to go.
Lively suffered another shot to the back of the head during Game 5 but didn't leave the game. His status is worth tracking in the second half after Dallas built a 29-point lead at the break.
The Mavericks lead the series 3-1 and can close out the Western Conference Finals on the road on Thursday. A win would give Lively and Dallas ample time to recover, as the NBA Finals won't start until Thursday, June 6.
Mavericks vs. Timberwolves schedule
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| May 22 | Mavericks 108, Timberwolves 105 | — | — |
| May 24 | Mavericks 109, Timberwolves 108 | — | — |
| May 26 | Mavericks 116, Timberwolves 107 | — | — |
| May 28 | Timberwolves 105, Mavericks 100 | — | — |
| May 30 | Game 5 | 8:30 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
| June 1 | Game 6* | 8:30 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
| June 3 | Game 7* | 8:30 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
*If necessary
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