Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II will miss at least the next three games due to swelling and discomfort in his right foot. The team plans to provide an update on his return timeline in seven to 10 days. Lively has been limited to just seven games this season amid ongoing injury concerns.
The Dallas Mavericks announced on November 25, 2025, that center Dereck Lively II is sidelined with swelling and discomfort in his right foot, leading to an extended absence. He will miss the team's upcoming three-game road trip, with further evaluation ongoing. The Mavericks' public relations account stated: "Mavericks center Dereck Lively II is currently being evaluated for swelling and discomfort in his right foot. He will miss the team’s upcoming three-game road trip and a further timeline will be provided in approximately 7-10 days."
Lively, a 21-year-old former Duke player, has averaged 4.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game over his seven appearances this season. His play has been hampered by offseason foot surgery and a knee issue. Historically, injuries have limited him: as a rookie, he appeared in 55 games during the Mavericks' run to the NBA Finals, where they lost to Boston in five games. Last season, he played only 36 games due to a stress fracture in his foot.
The injury adds to Dallas's challenges, as they await forward Anthony Davis's return from a calf strain that has kept him out for 14 games. Davis also missed a month last season after an injury in his debut following a trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Guard Kyrie Irving remains sidelined with an uncertain timeline after tearing his ACL in March.
Currently, the Mavericks hold a 5-14 record, placing them second-to-last in the Western Conference. Last season, they reached the play-in tournament but fell to Memphis in a bid for the eighth seed.