Dereck Lively Returns to Starting Lineup for Mavericks Against Knicks

Dereck Lively, the 21-year-old Dallas Mavericks center, is set to return to the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Knicks. After taking a maintenance day on Monday during a back-to-back, his starter designation indicates that his minutes restrictions have been lifted. He will join Brandon Williams, Klay Thompson, Max Christie, and P.J. Washington in the first unit. Lively, who signed a two-year, $9.79 million contract in July 2023 with team options exercised through 2026-27, is averaging 4.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.4 blocks in 2025. A former five-star recruit and Duke standout, he is known for his defensive anchoring, lob threat ability, and willingness to pass, projecting as a traditional pick-and-roll big with potential to develop into a starter.