Mavericks Downgrade Dereck Lively II to Doubtful Before Matchup Against Bulls

Dereck Lively II downgraded to doubtful with a shoulder sprain, adding to the Mavericks' frontcourt challenges as they face the Bulls without key defenders.

Photo via Nick White

DALLAS — As the Dallas Mavericks prepare to face the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night, they’ll need to adjust with P.J. Washington ruled out due to a right knee sprain and Dereck Lively II downgraded to doubtful with a right shoulder sprain, potentially missing his second consecutive game.

With Lively downgraded to doubtful, the Mavericks are dealing with an additional challenge in the frontcourt. Lively was a late scratch from Monday’s game, and while Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd noted that the second-year center had an MRI scheduled, the exact timing of the injury remains uncertain.

Lively went through his pregame workout on Monday and was initially absent from the injury report but was ruled out before tipoff.