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MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 07: Jason Kidd head coach of the Dallas Mavericks reacts against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half of the 2025-2026 Emirates NBA Cup game at FedExForum on November 07, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Wes Hale/Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks have had a rough start to the season, but they have finally gotten some good news.
Dallas has had some injury problems this season, as both of their best players are out of the lineup. Kyrie Irving has been out for the entire season because of a torn ACL he suffered last season. Anthony Davis has been out with a calf issue.
Derrick Lively II has been out since October 26 with a knee sprain, adding another key rotational player out who has been out of the lineup. Lively II is finally ready to return for a game against the Clippers.
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 09: Dereck Lively II #2 of the Dallas Mavericks dunks the ball against Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics during the third quarter in Game Two of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 09, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks Center Derrick Lively II to Return vs Clippers
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Mavericks will get Lively II back from his knee sprain for a game against the Clippers. Lively II has missed nine straight games due to his injury. Adding him to the lineup should give this team a huge boost.
The Mavericks have the second-worst record in the Western Conference. That terrible start resulted in Nico Harrison being fired. While Cooper Flagg looks promising, this has not been the start that anyone in Dallas was hoping for.
Adding Lively II while Davis continues to nurse a calf injury should help their interior. Last season, Lively II was solid in the 36 games that he played. Lively II has an injury issue, as he has played in just 94 games in two-plus seasons in Dallas.
Bringing Lively II back should help them a little bit, but that still doesn’t solve Dallas’ biggest problem. They don’t have a point guard who can feed him the ball on lobs, which is what makes him such an effective paint player. Ball movement has been an issue.
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 12: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks takes a three point shot during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at American Airlines Center on November 12, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Jason Kidd is Focused on Turning the Mavericks Around
Kidd is focused on turning the season around, pinning most of his hopes on Flagg. He talked about that prior to the Clippers game.
“I think we all make mistakes. When you look at Cooper, Cooper is 18 years old, playing the game at a high level for us. He’s going to make mistakes, like everyone else. We’re teaching him with film, and on the floor, and he’s going to learn in-game.”
Flagg might not be able to pull the Mavs out of this hole that they have dug themselves as an 18-year-old rookie. It’s going to be an uphill battle for him to stop the losing for good this season.