Lively's Playoff Status in Doubt After Head Injury

Mavs Center Suffers Knee Hit, Ankle Sprain

Lively Leaves Game, Ruled Out for Tuesday

Web Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II's availability for the Western Conference Finals is in jeopardy after suffering a scary head injury in Sunday's playoff game against the Houston Rockets. According to the Mavericks, Lively will not return to Saturday's contest after sustaining a left ankle sprain. The injury occurred in the second half of the Mavericks' 125-07 win over the Rockets, with Lively being ruled out of Tuesday's game as a result. Sunday's game was not the first time Lively has been injured in this year's playoffs. He left the court in the second half of Game 4 of the first round against the Minnesota Timberwolves after taking an inadvertent knee to the back of his head. The injury kept him out of the remaining games of the series. The Mavericks are hoping that Lively's ankle sprain is not serious and that he will be able to return to the lineup soon. However, the team is taking no chances with their young star, and they will not rush him back into action.