Big man Derek Lively II may not be available when the Dallas Mavericks try to sweep the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Monday that Lively's status for Tuesday's Game 4 is “uncertain” despite a clean neck test. ESPN's Tim MacMahon noted that Lively is undergoing testing for a neck sprain he suffered in Game 3 on Sunday and is not in the NBA's concussion protocol.
Lively was injured in the second quarter when Karl-Anthony Towns struck him in the back of the head with his knee while going for an offensive rebound. The Duke alum was on the ground for a short time before being helped off the court and taken to the locker room.
He did not return and ended up with six points, three rebounds and two assists in just nine minutes of play.
Still, Dallas won 116-107 and had to rely on Daniel Gafford with Lively sidelined.
Both big men have played key roles in the Mavericks' playoff run thanks to their ability to fight for rebounds and finish as rim-runners when defenses collapse on Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, who have consistently found them both with lob passes in key moments.
Lively has shot 13 of 13 from the field in three games against the Timberwolves and has also collected 20 rebounds in the first two games. With a 3-0 series lead, the Mavericks should be able to afford not to rush him back, but he will be essential to their chances of winning.
A potential matchup against the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals would mean taking on a frontcourt featuring Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis (assuming the latter is healthy).
If Lively sits out Tuesday, Dallas could give Gafford more minutes and go with a small-ball lineup featuring P.J. Washington, Derrick Jones Jr. and Josh Green.
