Lively (ankle) will start at center in Wednesday's game against the Hawks, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports. Lively will make his long-awaited return to the floor after having been sidelined since Jan.

The Mavericks have redefined themselves this season with bold moves and a new style of play placing them possibly right where they planned to be all along.

Anthony Davis opened up about how playing for the Dallas Mavericks has been easier for him compared to his time with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Lively (ankle) has been cleared to play in Wednesday's game against the Hawks. Lively will return to action after missing the Mavericks' previous 36 games due to a right ankle stress fracture. Dallas is finally starting to get healthy in the frontcourt,

Gafford, who has been out since February 10 with a knee injury, will return Monday against the Nets on a minutes restriction.

The 12th overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, Lively immediately helped the Mavericks make a run to the 2024 NBA Finals as a rookie, averaging 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game while shooting 74.7% from the field. Dallas ended up losing in five games to the Boston Celtics, but Lively cemented his spot in the team's rotation.

Mavericks center Dereck Lively II is set to rejoin his Dallas comrades for a Wednesday night tilt against Atlanta.

Jason Kidd provided a Dereck Lively II injury update after the Mavericks center was ruled out against the Nets.

The Dallas Mavericks will conclude their four-game Eastern Conference road trip on Saturday night against the Chicago Bulls, who have suddenly won 9 of their last 11 games. It also happens to be the hometown of Mavericks star Anthony Davis, but he was on the injury report for this game as he continues to work through his adductor strain.