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Mavericks give game-changing injury news ahead of NBA Playoffs

Jaren Boslow
Jaren Boslow

The Smoking Cuban

Dallas Mavericks v Houston Rockets / Tim Warner/GettyImages

The Dallas Mavericks recently wrapped up their regular season with a 50-32 record. Down the stretch, Dallas played some of their best brand of basketball since the Luka Doncic era and finished their last 20 games with a 16-4 record.

For what feels like the last few weeks of the regular season, the Mavericks were projected to face off against the LA Clippers until that became a reality on Sunday. This officially marks the third time in five seasons that fans have witnessed Dallas take on the Clippers in a first-round series and this could be the best one yet.

Barring any untimely injuries, Dallas could have a clear advantage over the Clippers with their recent trade deadline moves. Additionally, the Clippers are dealing with some unfortunate injury news to their star players, especially Kawhi Leonard.

Dereck Lively II was a full participant in practice ahead of 2024 NBA Playoffs

Outside of rookie center Dereck Lively II, the Mavericks have a fully healthy team. However, Lively II was a full participant in Tuesday's practice, according to Jason Kidd.

Lively II suffered a knee sprain with just a few weeks left in the regular season, but seems to have bounced back after being a full participant in practice. To add more excitement to Mavericks fans, Lively II was pictured showing off his hops at that same practice.

Obviously, nothing is confirmed yet as to what Lively II's availability will be for game one on Sunday against the Clippers. But seeing Lively II be a full participant in practice with a little less than a week before Dallas' toughest test of the season is a promising sign for his availability.

Since learning of Lively II's recent health update, fans have clamored to Twitter to list their excitement about having the rookie big man potentially back in the lineup.

Having Lively II healthy and present in the upcoming playoff matchup vs the Clippers will be vital to the Mavericks' success and the ceiling the team could have if they beat the Clippers.

Throughout the regular season, Lively II became an intricate part of the Mavericks system since the beginning of his rookie season. Having a lob threat of Lively II's caliber will be a huge menace to the Clippers' defense, even if Kawhi Leonard is healthy for game one. Additionally, Lively II has been very impactful on the defensive end for the Mavericks.

For more updates on Dereck Lively II and the Dallas Mavericks' upcoming playoff series against the LA Clippers, stay plugged in.

Jaren Boslow

Jaren Boslow

Jaren Boslow is a contributor for The Smoking Cuban, where he has been covering the Dallas Mavericks since the beginning of the 2023-24 season. Jaren is currently an undergrad student at the University of North Texas studying sports journalism. In addition to writing for The Smoking Cuban, Jaren is the beat writer for the North Texas men's and women's golf teams. While Jaren has only recently gotten into the journalism side of sports, he has been a longtime fan of the Mavericks for over a decade. Through his passion for sports and Mavericks basketball, Jaren offers a unique perspective to fans of the Dallas Mavericks. Outside of covering Mavericks basketball, Jaren is a full-time student who enjoys working out and spending quality time with friends.