Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II is seeking multiple medical opinions as swelling and discomfort in his right foot continue to linger, placing uncertainty around any potential return this season.
The team announced Thursday that Lively remains limited due to persistent pain and swelling. There is no timetable for recovery, and the organization will provide updates “as appropriate.” Lively has averaged 4.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in seven games this season.
Lively has played only seven games during the 2025–26 campaign, adding another setback to what has been a stop-and-start beginning to his career. Since the start of his rookie season in 2023–24, the Mavericks have played 89 regular-season games without Lively and 99 with him, illustrating how often the team has been forced to navigate his absences.
Foot Issues Persist For Dereck Lively II
Lively underwent a right-foot procedure this past offseason to address bone spurs, entering training camp fully recovered. But the injuries began piling up again quickly.
He suffered a right knee sprain in late October, sidelining him for nearly three weeks. He logged four appearances following his Nov. 14 return before the Mavericks shut him down due to renewed swelling and discomfort in his right foot.
Despite the prolonged symptoms, the organization has not expressed concern that the injury is a long-term, season-limiting issue, though uncertainty remains about Lively’s next steps. The severity must still be clarified before any timetable can be established.
Dallas Mavericks Navigating Heavy Frontcourt Injuries
Lively is one of several Mavericks players dealing with ongoing injuries. Kyrie Irving continues his ACL recovery behind the scenes, and Anthony Davis recently returned after missing roughly a month with a left calf strain.
The team’s frontcourt depth has been hit especially hard. Dallas has relied on Davis at center since Lively’s shutdown, while Daniel Gafford’s right ankle remains an ongoing concern.
Gafford re-injured the ankle Wednesday and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. His status remains important to monitor ahead of Friday’s matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder — and especially before Saturday’s game against the Houston Rockets in the second half of the back-to-back.
The Mavericks (8–15) have won three straight games for the first time this season and will look to continue their recent surge Friday in Oklahoma City. But uncertainty surrounding Lively’s recovery and Gafford’s ankle adds another layer to the rotation challenges facing head coach Jason Kidd as Dallas attempts to stabilize its season.
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