Mavericks rookie Dereck Lively II's injury may be more serious than expected

Last night, the Dallas Mavericks took down the Atlanta Hawks at home to improve to 46-30 on the year.

Dallas was coming off a loss against the Golden State Warriors heading into this game, so grabbing a win was crucial considering how close the Western Conference is right now.

While the vibes are always great after a win, Mavs head coach Jason Kidd delivered some unfortunate injury news before the game that could have some playoff implications.

Mavericks rookie Dereck Lively II's injury may be more serious than expected

On Sunday, Mavs rookie big man Dereck Lively II left the game early with what was said to be knee soreness. Since, the diagnosis of this injury has been changed to a right knee sprain, and Kidd gave fans some insight on how long Lively II could be out during his pregame press conference.

"That one is two weeks, I think, away," Kidd said about Lively II's injury. "I think he's on crutches, so hopefully he does have the opportunity to play before the season is over...I don't know if he's going to be able to come back before the season is over."

It would be a massive blow if Lively II misses any of the playoffs, and he has been a crucial piece of the Mavs' rotation all season long. Hearing that Lively II is on crutches was a shock to many considering that the injury was originally reported as soreness, and this happened at the worst possible time.

Lively II has started and came off the bench for the Mavs this season and is averaging 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 74.7 percent from the field.

Lively II has surpassed everyone's expectations for him in a short amount of time, but his injuries are starting to become a little concerning. He has had multiple ankle sprains, a minor back injury, and now this knee sprain. Lively II only playing in 55 games so far in his rookie year is not ideal, but this is the most games he has ever played in by a longshot.

His body will have to adjust to playing these long 82-game seasons, and only time will tell if he will turn into an injury-prone player or if he will adjust accordingly. There is more of a reason to believe in the latter than the former, and Lively II is on the trajectory to be special for the Mavs.

For all the latest on Dereck Lively II, Jason Kidd, and the Dallas Mavericks for the remainder of the regular season and the playoffs, stay tuned.