Sources – Mavs’ Derek Lively II out for months with broken foot

Dallas Mavericks starting center Derek Lively II suffered a minor fracture in his right foot and is expected to miss two to three months, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.

Lively has missed the last three games and was listed as questionable for Wednesday night’s home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but further testing revealed the fracture, sources said.

Lively, 20, has emerged as a vital player after playing a key role in Dallas’ run to the NBA Finals as a rookie last season. He is averaging 9.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.7 blocks while shooting 70.1% from the floor this season.

The Mavericks (23-20) have lost 10 of 14 games since superstar Luka Doncic strained his left calf on Christmas. Doncic is expected to be re-evaluated in the coming days, but no firm timetable has been set for his return.

Kyrie Irving has also missed time recently due to a bulging disc in his back. Irving said he will have to manage the injury for the remainder of the season and hopes he does not have to undergo surgery.

Daniel Gafford, who averages 12.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks, gives the Mavericks a quality big man who can take on the starting role. But Dallas’ big man depth is thin without Lively and third-string center Dwight Powell, who suffered a right hip strain Friday and will miss his second straight game against the Timberwolves.