Dereck Lively II

Lively has been sidelined since November 21 and has no concrete return timeline. With the third-year center still dealing with discomfort and swelling in his right foot, he should be considered out indefinitely until the Mavericks announce otherwise. Fantasy managers who can afford to do so should continue to stash Lively in an IL+ slot. However, those dealing with multiple injuries may need to move on due to the uncertainty.

Mavericks center Dereck Lively II will miss at least the next three games while being evaluated for swelling and discomfort in his surgically repaired right foot.

Lively was held out of Monday's loss to the Heat with right foot injury management after having offseason foot surgery. Now the 21-year-old center is feared to miss an extended portion of the season, according to Stein. Daniel Gafford will continue to start at center with Lively out and Anthony Davis is due back soon to strengthen the frontcourt.

Following a Marc Stein report that Lively was feared to miss extended time with a foot injury, the Mavericks provided a formal update on the 21-year-old center's health. Lively is set to miss the team's upcoming three games and another update will be provided in 7-10 days. Until then, Daniel Gafford will start at center for Dallas.

Lively had four points in 18 minutes in the Mavericks' win over the Pelicans on Friday night. The 21-year-old center is going to miss the second game of a back-to-back against the Grizzlies on Saturday for injury management reasons. Daniel Gafford will start at center with Lively out.