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Dereck Lively II expected back for Mavericks on Friday

Fri Nov 14 3:04pm ET
Field Level Media

Dereck Lively II is expected to play Friday night for the Dallas Mavericks in their NBA Cup game against the Los Angeles Clippers after being sidelined with a sprained right knee.

He is listed as probable on the NBA injury report.

Lively has not played since Dallas' Oct. 26 win against the Toronto Raptors, with the 21-year-old missing nine games. The Mavericks are 3-9 overall and 2-7 without Lively.

Having the 7-foot-1 Lively back would be a positive step in an otherwise down week in Dallas.


The Mavericks have lost their past two games and fired general manager Nico Harrison, the engineer of the unpopular trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this year.

Lively, in his third NBA season, has appeared in only 94 career games (74 starts) due to injuries. He has averages of 8.6 points and 7.1 rebounds.

The Mavericks have been injury-cursed to start the season.

Kyrie Irving, who is recovering from left-knee surgery, is not expected to return until early 2026. Anthony Davis (left-calf strain) and P.J. Washington (left-shoulder strain) and listed as questionable against the Clippers.

Player Notes
Coby White Fri Nov 14 4:00pm

Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (calf) fully practiced on Friday, according to head coach Billy Donovan. White has yet to play this season as he manages the calf issue. Donovan now wants to see how he responds to a contact practice before making a ruling on his availability. Chicago next plays Sunday night in Utah, so the Bulls and White have some extra time to determine whether he can make his season debut. Once he's back up to speed, White should start next to Josh Giddey (ankle) in Chicago's backcourt. White averaged 20.4 points, 4.5 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.9 steals in 74 games last season.

Josh Giddey Fri Nov 14 3:50pm

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (ankle) fully practiced Friday, according to the team's head coach, Billy Donovan. Fellow guard Coby White (calf) also fully practiced. Giddey has missed the last two games, both losses, due to the ankle ailment. Donovan now wants to see how Giddey responds to a contact practice before making a ruling on his availability. The Bulls don't play again until Sunday night, but it's trending toward Giddey returning to the lineup. The 23-year-old is playing at an All-Star level this season, averaging 21.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 9.3 assists, and one steal per game. Kevin Huerter has been starting in Giddey's place, and should pick up another start if Giddey isn't ready to return.

Day'Ron Sharpe Fri Nov 14 3:40pm

Brooklyn Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe (glute) will play tonight when the team visits the Orlando Magic for an NBA Cup contest. Sharpe missed one game while managing a left glute contusion. The 24-year-old has appeared in 10 games for the 1-10 Nets, averaging 6.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.9 steals per game. He only sees about 15 minutes per game, playing behind starting center Nic Claxton. With minimal usage, Sharpe doesn't offer much fantasy value. Fantasy managers can likely find a better option to get into their lineup for Friday's nine-game slate.

Julian Champagnie Fri Nov 14 3:30pm

San Antonio Spurs guard/forward Julian Champagnie (hip) is questionable for Friday's NBA Cup game against the Golden State Warriors. Champagnie, who is managing a hip contusion, recently moved to the bench with the return of guard De'Aaron Fox, but played 20 minutes against the Warriors on Wednesday. The 24-year-old is used as a floor spacer and three-point shooter in San Antonio's rotation, and isn't on the radar for fantasy basketball purposes. Forward Jeremy Sochan, who played just six minutes on Wednesday, and guard Lindy Waters III would see an increase in minutes if Champagnie can't suit up.

Jonathan Kuminga Fri Nov 14 3:10pm

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (knee) will be inactive on Friday when the team faces the San Antonio Spurs. Kuminga entered Wednesday's game with a questionable tag for a knee injury and didn't make it through the entire game. The Warriors believe this will be a short-term injury and want to give Kuminga rest to help with his bilateral knee tendinitis. Kuminga was removed from the starting lineup for the first time on Wednesday. Moses Moody and rookie Will Richard should get starts again. Gary Payton II saw increased minutes in the second half on Wednesday after Kuminga left the game.

Jared McCain Fri Nov 14 11:40am

Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain (G League) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Detroit Pistons. The second-year guard has struggled to find his rhythm after returning from injury, averaging 0.0 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 10.3 minutes across three games while shooting 0.0% from the field. His absence should slightly open minutes for Quentin Grimes and Justin Edwards, who have both played well recently. Grimes is averaging 15.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists over his last two outings on 55.6% shooting, while Edwards just dropped 22 points with five threes against Boston. VJ Edgecombe (back) is questionable, which could further boost their workloads.

LeBron James Fri Nov 14 11:40am

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (sciatica) will remain out for Friday's matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. James has yet to play this season but recently completed his first full practice and 5-on-5 session, suggesting a return could come by mid-to-late November. With James sidelined, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will continue to carry the offense and remain must-start options in all fantasy formats. Doncic has averaged 30.0 points, 8.0 assists, and 5.5 rebounds over his last two outings, while Reaves has contributed 18.5 points, 6.0 assists, and 5.0 rebounds on solid efficiency. In deeper leagues, Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart are still playable as complementary scoring and defensive streamers.

Kawhi Leonard Fri Nov 14 11:40am

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) will miss Friday's game against Dallas, marking his sixth straight absence. With Leonard out, James Harden remains a must-start after averaging 29.0 points, 9.0 assists, and 6.0 rebounds over his last two games, including a 35-point triple-double against Atlanta. Derrick Jones Jr. and Bogdan Bogdanovic may benefit with additional scoring opportunities on the wing, while Kris Dunn, Cam Christie, and Nicolas Batum will continue to see increased minutes but remain fringe fantasy options for now.

Aaron Nesmith Fri Nov 14 11:30am

Indiana Pacers guard/forward Aaron Nesmith (knee) will miss time, though Rick Carlisle said they are hopeful it is not too serious. Nesmith has been a quiet fantasy win, averaging 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.3 blocks in 30.5 minutes while shooting 36.7% from the field and 37.3% from deep. His recent stretch included a 25-point outing with three threes and four steals at Denver. With him sidelined, opportunities may rise for Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard, though both have been inconsistent so far. Expect Andrew Nembhard's touches to increase slightly, while Pascal Siakam remains the primary scoring hub.

Paul George Fri Nov 14 11:30am

Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (knee) will remain out Friday against the Detroit Pistons as he continues recovery from offseason surgery, though reports say he is moving closer to a return. In his absence, Tyrese Maxey continues to lead the offense, averaging 27.0 points, 8.0 assists, and 4.5 rebounds over his last two games. Kelly Oubre Jr. has also stepped up as a secondary scorer with 13.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game during that stretch. Second-year forward Justin Edwards flashed upside with 22 points and five threes against Boston, but his minutes remain volatile. George should stay stashed, while Maxey and Oubre remain must-start fantasy options.

Lauri Markkanen Fri Nov 14 10:50am

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen did everything he could, but the team fell short on Thursday to the Atlanta Hawks by a score of 122-132. The ninth-year pro finished with 40 points on 15-for-25 shooting overall and 6-for-12 from deep with only four free throws. He also chipped in seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, and four turnovers. Markkanen has had an incredible start to this season, with averages of 29.3 points (career high), 6.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 3.6 threes per game (career high). As long as Markkanen can stay healthy compared to his last few season, he'll remain a top fantasy option in all formats.

Jalen Johnson Fri Nov 14 10:40am

Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson posted a monster game in their win over the Utah Jazz on Thursday. The Duke product finished with 31 points, 18 rebounds, 14 assists, seven steals, and six turnovers while shooting 10-for-19 from the floor and 4-for-5 from beyond the arc. Johnson has taken full control of the Hawks' offense since Trae Young (knee) has been out, and the results speak for themselves. In the seven games since then, Johnson averages 22.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 2.0 steals, 1.4 threes, and 3.1 turnovers per game while shooting a red-hot .578 overall.

Onyeka Okongwu Fri Nov 14 10:40am

Atlanta Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu led the team in scoring on Thursday as they beat the Utah Jazz 132-122. The big man registered 32 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and three blocks while shooting 11-for-18 overall and 8-for-14 from deep. He moved into the starting lineup for this game which was his fourth start of the season. In his time as a starter this season, he averages 18.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while collecting over two blocks per contest too. He's currently a great choice in any fantasy format, but especially for managers looking for some added three-point production from the center spot.

Kel'el Ware Fri Nov 14 10:20am

Miami Heat center/forward Kel'el Ware (hip) is listed as available for Friday's NBA Cup game against the New York Knicks. The second-year big man has been has started in all but three games so far this season, and will continue to see a lot of opportunities while Bam Adebayo (toe) is sidelined. His rebounding numbers have especially been huge for fantasy managers in category leagues. Over his last three games, he's averaged 12.7 points, 15.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. Which puts him in play for both points and category leagues for the time being.

Norman Powell Fri Nov 14 10:00am

Miami Heat guard Norman Powell (hip) is ready to suit up for Friday's NBA Cup game against the New York Knicks after being listed as available on the official injury report. The veteran guard has been dealing with a hip contusion, but it looks like it's not severe enough to keep him out of this one. Powell has been the primary scoring option while Bam Adebayo (toe) and Tyler Herro (ankle) have been sidelined. In fact, in his 11th season, Powell is averaging a career high in points per game at 24.8. He's definitely a must-roster in all fantasy formats, and will likely remain that way even when the team gets fully healthy.

Davion Mitchell Fri Nov 14 9:50am

Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (back) appeared on the injury report with a back contusion, but the team has listed him as available for their NBA Cup game on Friday. The defensive-minded point guard will be ready to take on the New York Knicks, who are third in the league in offensive rating, and have put up 130 or more points in three of their last four games. Mitchell has been a great source of assists and steals in category leagues this season as he's averaging career highs so far with 7.3 and 1.5 per game. His value remains higher while Tyler Herro (ankle) is sidelined.

Jalen Johnson Fri Nov 14 1:00am

Atlanta's F Jalen Johnson recorded a triple-double, finishing with 31 points, 14 assists and 18 rebounds in a 132-122 win over Utah on Thursday, Nov. 13.

Lauri Markkanen Fri Nov 14 1:00am

Jazz's F Lauri Markkanen scored 40 points on 15-of-25 shooting in a 122-132 loss to the Hawks on Thursday, Nov. 13.

PJ Washington Thu Nov 13 10:00pm

Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Friday's NBA Cup game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Washington left Wednesday night's game against the Phoenix Suns after just five minutes of action due to a left shoulder strain. Dallas listing him as questionable could further harm a roster already hurt by injuries. Fellow frontcourt members Anthony Davis (calf) and Dereck Lively II (knee) are also questionable, potentially opening even more minutes. Forward Naji Marshall will see the strongest value increase if the 27-year-old is unable to suit up Friday, as he's been called upon to step up with so many frontcourt injuries. Washington is having a good season as the team's third-leading scorer, averaging 14.7 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, but missing time could harm his momentum.

KJ Simpson Thu Nov 13 9:40pm

Charlotte Hornets point guard KJ Simpson (shoulder) is listed as probable for a meeting with the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night. The 23-year-old is dealing with a shoulder issue, but it doesn't appear to be serious enough to prevent him from playing. However, Simpson is unlikely to have a significant role in the rotation moving forward, as LaMelo Ball (ankle) is expected to return to the lineup against Milwaukee. So far this season, Simpson has averaged 5.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 14.4 minutes over five appearances.


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