How serious is Dereck Lively II's injury? Will he be back for Game 4 against the Timberwolves?

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II was escorted off the field in his team's 116-107 victory in the third game of the Western Conference final against the Minnesota Timberwolves last Sunday evening. The 20-year-old was escorted off the field by medical professionals after he hit in the back of the head by Karl-Anthony Towns' knee in the second quarter of the game.

The coincidence The impact caused his head to snap forward; the Duke freshman remained on the court holding his head as fans waited to see if he could continue: Lively remained lying there for several minutes before he was finally helped. The player appeared extremely dazed and was then taken to the dressing room And replaced by Dwight Powell.

How serious is Dereck Lively II’s injury?

lively Subjected to scans after the game and at the time of writing this article, No official update was given about his fitness or whether he will be fit for Game 4 against the Timberwolves. The Mavericks listed him as questionable at halftime with a sprained neck before he was out in the third quarter and on Sunday evening he was not in the NBA concussion protocol.

The Mavs will hopes for a speedy return of the rookiewho has been an important part of their team in the tough battle against the Timberwolves. The Philadelphia-born center has followed in the footsteps of the (also injured) Maxi Kleber, 20 rebounds against their bigger opponents.

Selected 12th overall in Duke’s 2023 draft, Lively has become an outstanding for the Mavericks and played a crucial role in their journey to the Western Conference Finals. As an All-Rookie Team honoree, he was averaged 8.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.1 blocks as a substitute over 14 playoff games until Sunday. His +108 for the postseason is the second best plus/minus of a rookie since 1997 (via TNT).

The Timberwolves and Mavericks will face each other again. American Airlines Center in Dallas on Tuesday evening (8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT) for Game 4, if Minnesota wants to avoid a sweep and force Game 5 on Thursday in Minneapolis.