Klay Thompson, and Dereck Lively II Return for Mavericks' Matchup Against Grizzlies, Naji Marshall Ruled Out
As the Mavericks face the Grizzlies in an NBA Cup showdown, Klay Thompson and Dereck Lively II return from injury absences, while Naji Marshall remains out.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks continue to regain key players back into the lineup for Tuesday’s NBA Cup matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. It was already known that Kyrie Irving would return from a one-game absence caused by right shoulder soreness. However, the team is also regaining Dereck Lively II (right knee hyperextension) and Klay Thompson (left foot plantar fasciitis).
Naji Marshall (illness) remains sidelined and will miss his third consecutive game, while Danté Exum continues his long-term recovery from wrist surgery.
Thompson, averaging 13.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, is returning after a four-game injury absence. Kidd mentioned Thompson is likely to play “around 20 minutes,” and he’s been “feeling better, he feels great.” The Mavericks re-inserted him into the starting lineup, with Quentin Grimes—a recent Western Conference Player of the Week nominee—being moved back to a bench role as expected.
Lively injured his knee during the Mavericks’ two-game road trip during the fourth quarter of their victory over the Utah Jazz. He returned to his regular starting role, meaning the Mavericks will deploy their regular starting lineup for the first time since their win against the New Orleans Pelicans on November 19.
Before injuring his knee, Lively had totaled 6 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks in 23 minutes in Utah. He’s in the midst of a productive season, averaging 8.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.6 blocks as he builds on the start of his NBA career. Dallas regains its ability to have multiple shot blockers throughout games, which will be needed against an offense led by Ja Morant.
Given the Mavericks’ stakes with the NBA Cup and the possibility of advancing to the knockout round with a victory and having the point differential on their side, being close to full strength came at the right time.
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