>

Tim MacMahon: Mavs center Dereck Lively II will miss tonight’s game due to a right shoulder sprain…

Mavs Center Dereck Lively II to Miss Game Due to Shoulder Sprain

Injury Update

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II will miss tonight's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to a right shoulder sprain, the team announced.

Lively suffered the injury in the Mavericks' last game, a 112-106 loss to the Phoenix Suns. He left the game in the second quarter and did not return.

Impact on the Team

Lively's absence is a blow to the Mavericks, who are already without starting center Christian Wood (thumb surgery). JaVale McGee is expected to start in Lively's place.

The Mavericks are 6-3 this season with Lively in the lineup, but they are just 1-4 without him.

Timeline for Return

The Mavericks have not announced a timeline for Lively's return, but he is expected to miss multiple games.

Lively is averaging 7.0 points and 6.2 rebounds per game this season.