The Dallas Mavericks are set to welcome key players back to the lineup Wednesday night against the Houston Rockets as they look to end a two-game losing streak.
Head coach Jason Kidd confirmed before the game that Dereck Lively II, who has missed the past three games with a hip contusion, will be active. Kyrie Irving, who was sidelined during Monday’s 110-100 loss to the Sacramento Kings with right shoulder soreness, and Klay Thompson, who missed the same game due to illness, will also return.
Lively, who sustained the injury against the Minnesota Timberwolves, was previously listed as questionable. Kidd said the second-year center will be restricted to 15 to 18 minutes. Lively is averaging 8.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists over 25 games this season.
The Mavericks remain without Luka Dončić, who is expected to miss at least most of the next month with a left calf strain. Naji Marshall (suspension) and Danté Exum (right wrist surgery) are also unavailable. After facing Houston, Marshall has one more game to serve on his four-game suspension.
Irving’s return comes after he missed four games due to shoulder issues. Irving scored 46 points in a back-to-back matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers in his last appearance. He is averaging 24.6 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.5 rebounds in 29 games.
Thompson’s absence on Monday was a late scratch, unlisted on the Mavericks’ injury report until just before tipoff. The veteran sharpshooter averages 14.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists this season.
The Mavericks have struggled in Lively’s absence, particularly with rebounding and rim protection. Before the Kings game, Kidd mentioned that Lively had completed a “good workout” and was trending in the right direction. During the team’s road trip, Lively participated in individual sessions with the training staff. Now, he will be able to return to the lineup and contribute.
Dončić and Exum have not yet received updated timetables for their return, while Marshall will serve two more games of his suspension, including Wednesday’s matchup.
The Mavericks face the Rockets at 7 p.m. CT at Toyota Center before returning home to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.
