Dereck Lively II returns after a four-game absence. Mavericks seek strong defensive presence against 8-2 Warriors. Luka Dončić available.
SAN FRANCISCO — When the Dallas Mavericks take on the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night, they will have Dereck Lively II available to play after he missed the team’s previous four games. P.J. Washington was ruled out as he continues to recover from a right knee sprain.
It was a strong signal that Lively would play when he was made available to speak with reporters after participating in Monday’s practice at Chase Center amid being upgraded to questionable on the injury report.
“Just got to see how I feel when I wake up, but it’s been steady progress, and I’m feeling good,” Lively said after Monday’s practice.
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Last season, Lively averaged 12.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 27.1 minutes per game throughout two matchups against the Warriors. He produced those results while shooting an impressive 73.3% from the floor.
The foundation of the Mavericks’ defense has been built on having Lively and Daniel Gafford as rim protectors throughout games. When one is sidelined, it reduces the paint presence Dallas can deploy at times. After losing four of their previous six games, the Mavs need as much talent as possible on the floor as they face an 8-2 Warriors squad on their home floor.
Luka Dončić was a game-time for the second consecutive game but was upgraded to available after going through a pre-game workout. He finished with 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists in the Mavericks’ 122-120 loss against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday.
P.J. Washington will remain sidelined as he recovers from a right knee sprain. He participated in 3-on-3 on Monday but has more to go through regarding the return to competition process. Kidd noted that Washington is progressing after playing 2-on-2 on Tuesday, but isn’t quite ready to play.
Maxi Kleber didn’t play against the Nuggets on Sunday, but it wasn’t due to injury. He was upgraded from doubtful with a right hamstring strain, but the coaching staff decided why he didn’t log any minutes.
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