Dereck Lively II

Davis hasn't played since Feb. 8 due to an adductor strain, while Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford are making progress

Dallas put out a press release saying that AD is "improving daily" and has been "cleared for more dynamic on-court movements." The release also said that Lively is "progressing in his rehabilitation." Lively has progressed to "individual on-court work." Basically, both bigs are progressing well, and the Mavs will check in on them every week, which is what we were already expecting. Their return will likely be dependent on the team's success. They currently sit 2.5 games ahead of Phoenix in the standings, but they may struggle to maintain their spot in the standings with all the injuries they are dealing with. Managers shouldn't hold their breath waiting on AD or Lively to return this season, but Dallas will provide an update if something changes.

That will have Gafford being evaluated around March 21, which will have him miss at least eight more games. Dallas reported that Gafford has progressed well, but his return to the court may be dependent on the team's success. They currently hold a 2.5 game lead over Phoenix in the standings for the 10th spot in the West. Dwight Powell should continue to start at center until Gafford returns, though Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II have been progressing as well and will be evaluated weekly.

Irving injured his knee in the first quarter of Monday night's game against the Kings. The 32-year-old point guard was helped to the locker room as he was unable to put any weight on his left leg. The torn ACL for Irving is just another in a long line of injuries for the Mavericks this season as Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively III and Daniel Gafford are also sidelined. With Irving out, Spencer Dinwiddie and Max Christie should be added in most leagues and Jaden Hardy will see additional minutes.

Irving injured his left knee with a little under three minutes remaining in the first quarter. Diagnosed with a sprained right knee, he will not return. Spencer Dinwiddie and Jaden Hardy will play more rotation minutes for the Mavericks, who were already without PJ Washington, Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II. If Irving misses time, Dinwiddie and Max Christie will be worth adding.