Dereck Lively II Injury Update: NBA insider shares potential return timeline for Mavericks center

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II has been sidelined for the Mavericks since January due to an ankle injury. He also missed Monday’s 119-103 home loss to the Brooklyn Nets; however, his imminent return timeline has been shared by NBA insider Joey Mistretta.

Mistretta revealed that Lively could return to the lineup on Wednesday. The Mavericks are scheduled to face the Atlanta Hawks at home.

“He is a candidate to potentially return on Wednesday. Lively was questionable before getting ruled out on Monday,” Mistretta tweeted on Tuesday.

Lively has been dealing with a right ankle stress fracture. He was initially expected to miss around 2-3 months.

He progressed to individual court work after a recent reevaluation. As part of his rehabilitation, he was assigned to the G League's Texas Legends for 3-on-3 practices.

Lively last played in the 118-99 loss against the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 15. He lasted for only four minutes and recorded four points and a block.

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What’s next for Dereck Lively II and the Dallas Mavericks?

Dereck Lively II is expected to return to action when the Dallas Mavericks host the Atlanta Hawks at American Airlines Center on Wednesday. His potential return is a much-needed boost for the Mavericks who saw their promising season get derailed by injuries to key players and the shocking trade of superstar guard Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers. This season, Lively is averaging 9.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.

Their chances of returning to the playoffs received a huge boost with Anthony Davis' recovery from injury. In his first game back on March 24, he helped his team cruise past the Brooklyn Nets 120-101.

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) looks to move to the basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

He contributed 12 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block in 27 minutes. Seven Dallas players reached double figures and fed off the stability Davis provided in the game.

However, with the regular season nearing its end, the Mavericks are still fighting for the last play-in spot in the Western Conference. They are ninth in the standings with a 37-39 record.