Mavericks center Dereck Lively II, who was out for Game 4 of the Western Conference finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to a sprained neck, will be available for Game 5. Lively's injury status has been closely monitored, with initial reports suggesting he was questionable and a game-time decision. However, after participating in shootaround and warmups, he has been cleared to play without restrictions. Lively expressed relief at being able to return, noting the difficulty of watching Game 4 from the sidelines. Additionally, Luka Dončić will also be available despite dealing with a right knee sprain and left ankle soreness, while Olivier-Maxence Prosper will be out due to a left ankle sprain. The Dallas frontcourt will also get a boost with the return of Maxi Kleber from a separated shoulder. Meanwhile, Mike Conley's status for the Timberwolves remains uncertain due to Achilles soreness.
Mavericks center Dereck Lively II says to @andscape it was “hard as s***” to watch the Game 4 loss and he was very excited when he was cleared tonight so he could help shore up some things. The rookie added that there are no restrictions for him in Game 5. https://t.co/5MGf8EL3bV
Dereck Lively II makes his return 🙌 Mike Conley's status is up in there air due to achilles soreness 👀 @ALaForce shares the latest ahead of Game 5 in Minnesota https://t.co/bePnWDgO7s
Dereck Lively is BACK for the Mavericks tonight. 👀 https://t.co/bgWW0Rp6w5 https://t.co/lhOKg9M3xE
Dereck Lively II will play tonight. https://t.co/lNfq6JGVyq
Luka Dončić (right knee sprain, left ankle soreness) and Dereck Lively II (neck sprain) will be AVAILABLE for Game 5 against the Timberwolves. Olivier-Maxence Prosper (left ankle sprain) will be OUT.
Dereck Lively II remains questionable, per Jason Kidd. “He looked good” in warmups, Kidd said. Luka Doncic is good to go.
Dereck Lively II is looking good in warmups 👀 https://t.co/zgtsPTaCzk
Dereck Lively II (sprained neck) looks good in warmups. https://t.co/vJ0wwMKiJ0
Dereck Lively II (neck sprain) will be a game-time decision tonight 👀 https://t.co/k8EVF8LK4y
'Everything in my neck was locked up' | Mavs' Dereck Lively II remains questionable heading into Game 5https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nba/mavericks/mavs-dereck-lively-ii-remains-questionable-heading-into-game-5/287-59d52296-9419-4d19-8078-cd38912205c6
Mavs rookie center Dereck Lively II (sprained neck) went through shootaround and is about to go through a more intense individual workout to “figure out what I can do.” How does his neck feel? “We’re not gonna call it pain. We’re gonna call it discomfort.”
Dereck Lively II update headlines double dose of positive news for Mavs: https://t.co/AeclxRRg5K
"I'm told Dereck Lively is trending to be a game time decision in Game 5 in Minneapolis." Our NBA Insider @ShamsCharania has insider details regarding Lively's injury. https://t.co/zx7PlvtEs1
Dereck Lively II injury update: Mavericks center questionable for Game 5 of West finals at Wolves https://t.co/64iGuMVGeo
Latest NBA injury report is the first one to have a Dereck Lively II update. He's now upgraded to questionable. Good news that he didn't have something serious or have to go through concussion protocols. Dodged a bullet.
"There's obviously a chance [Dereck Lively] could play in Game 5... The good news for the Mavs is he is not currently in concussion protocol." Shams Charania on the big man's status for Mavericks-Timberwolves Thursday night. (via @RunItBackFDTV) https://t.co/ZNkk0fQGqm
“It’s a day to day thing. I’m not trying to rush it. We will see,” Mavs center Dereck Lively II, who has a sprained neck, told @andscape.
Dereck Lively II out tonite. https://t.co/rowRe4qqdi
Mavericks center Dereck Lively II is out for Game 4 of the Western Conference finals against Minnesota with a sprained neck, but the Dallas frontcourt will get a boost Tuesday night with the return of Maxi Kleber from a separated shoulder. https://t.co/3bRGznYqTV