Dallas Mavericks suffer unfortunate and concerning injury at worst possible time

Last night, the Dallas Mavericks' winning streak ended as they lost to the Golden State Warriors on the road.

Despite the loss, Dallas continues to show everyone that they are the real deal, and Luka Doncic is playing like the MVP right now. Doncic dropped 30 points against Golden State, and he and Kyrie Irving continue to prove that they are a top duo in the league.

While all eyes are on Doncic and Irving right now, one detail that was reported before last night's game was that Mavs rookie center Dereck Lively II could be out two weeks with knee soreness. Lively II was subbed out of their game against the Rockets early, and this injury seems to be more serious than originally expected considering the timeframe is multiple weeks.

Dallas Mavericks suffer unfortunate and concerning injury at worst possible time

Dallas Morning News' Brad Towsend reported that the two-week timeframe on Lively II's injury is an estimate and he will be evaluated once they return to Dallas today. Regardless of what is revealed when Lively II gets his knee checked out, his injuries are beginning to become a concern.

Lively II has only played in 55 games this season and has battled multiple ankle injuries as well as a minor back injury. He has been a key piece to Dallas' rotation all season long and keeping him healthy should be a priority.

Jason Kidd allowed Dwight Powell to take some of Lively II's minutes last night, but they need him back for the playoffs. They are a different team when Lively II is on the floor, and having him as the second rim protector off the bench behind Daniel Gafford has been the perfect role for him.

Lively II is averaging 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game as a rookie this season while shooting 74.7 percent from the floor. He has been everything that Dallas has needed and more, but only time will tell when his return will be.

Having Lively II miss any of the playoffs would be a massive blow, and the Mavs have suffered some unfortunate injury luck lately. Doncic likely misses having Lively II as a lob target in the pick and roll, but Gafford should be able to hold down the fort until he returns.

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