NBA Notes: Mavericks, Dereck Lively II, Spurs, Dylan Harper, Suns

Mavericks

Dallas received difficult but expected news on Tuesday. Center Dereck Lively II will undergo a procedure on his right foot and is out for the rest of the season, per ESPN’s Shams Charania and Tim MacMahon.

The team confirmed he is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for training camp.

It is a tough setback for Lively, who has battled pain in the same foot since fracturing it last January. He missed more than two months, had offseason surgery, returned for opening night, then dealt with more issues.

He also missed time with a knee sprain. Dallas sought multiple medical opinions before determining another procedure was necessary.

Lively has appeared in only 98 regular-season games since entering the league as the No. 12 pick in 2023. When healthy, he has looked like Dallas’ long-term center of the future, averaging 8.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks while shooting better than 72 percent from the field.

With Lively sidelined, the Mavericks will lean on Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford, though both players continue to surface in trade speculation. Dwight Powell and two-way center Moussa Cisse are available for depth, with P. J. Washington a possible small-ball option.

Dallas is expected to apply for a disabled player exception worth about $2.6 million.

Spurs

Second overall pick Dylan Harper delivered 22 points and six assists in Monday’s win over New Orleans, and he did it with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle both active for the first time this season.

The fit is still a work in progress, as Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News noted, but San Antonio saw encouraging flashes.

Castle shook off some rust after missing three weeks with a hip injury and shot 5-of-15 with three turnovers. Fox finished with 14 points and four turnovers and looked unsure at times of when to take control. Even so, the trio combined for 54 points and 18 assists in a three-point win.

Harper said this is only the beginning. Castle echoed that he is still getting his rhythm back.

The Spurs believe the group will settle in quickly once Castle regains full form.

Suns

The Suns could get a major boost on Wednesday. Devin Booker has been upgraded to questionable for Phoenix’s NBA Cup matchup with the Thunder as he works his way back from a groin injury, per Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman.