NBA Player News
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Luke Kornet C | SA
Celtics' Luke Kornet: Good to go
Kornet (wrist) will play in Monday's Game 4 against Indiana, Jay King of The Athletic reports.
Kornet was spotted warming up with tape on his injured left wrist prior to tipoff, and he's been cleared to give it a go. He logged 13 minutes in Game 1 before suffering the wrist injury in Game 2 and should see reserve minutes again Monday night behind Al Horford.
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Dereck Lively II C | DAL
Mavericks' Dereck Lively: Ruled out for Game 4
Lively (neck) has been ruled out for Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals against the Timberwolves on Tuesday, Chris Haynes of Turner Sports reports.
Lively was initially deemed doubtful for Tuesday's matchup due to his neck sprain, and he'll officially be forced to miss at least one game as the Mavericks attempt to close out the series. It's unclear whether Lively will be able to return if the Western Conference Finals continue past Tuesday or if the Mavericks advance to the NBA Finals, which begin June 6. Dwight Powell is a candidate to see increased playing time in Lively's absence.
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Maxi Kleber C | LAL
Mavericks' Maxi Kleber: Deemed questionable for Game 4
Kleber (shoulder) is questionable for Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals against the Timberwolves on Tuesday.
Kleber has been sidelined since May 3 due to an AC joint separation, but he's closing in on a return to action. He participated in Monday's practice session and will be in the mix to return to game action Tuesday, although the Mavericks will likely monitor his status ahead of tipoff before officially determining his availability. Even if Kleber isn't cleared for Tuesday's matchup, it wouldn't be surprising to see him return later in the Western Conference Finals, if necessary, or for a potential run in the NBA Finals.
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Dereck Lively II C | DAL
Mavericks' Dereck Lively: Doubtful for Game 4
Lively (neck) is doubtful for Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals against the Timberwolves on Tuesday.
Lively sustained a neck sprain during Sunday's Game 3 and was unavailable down the stretch. He wasn't seen at Monday's practice session and will likely be sidelined Tuesday as the Mavericks attempt to advance to the NBA Finals. If Dallas wins Game 4 to complete the sweep, Lively will have over a week to rest before the NBA Finals begin June 6.
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Maxi Kleber C | LAL
Mavericks' Maxi Kleber: Ramps up activity
Kleber (shoulder) participated in Monday's practice, Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News reports.
Kleber appears to be progressing towards an eventual return after being diagnosed with a AC joint separation earlier this month. More clarity on Kleber's status is expected when the Mavericks release their official injury report Monday evening ahead of Tuesday's Game 4 tilt against Minnesota.
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Dereck Lively II C | DAL
Mavericks' Dereck Lively: Status for Game 4 unclear
Tests on Lively's neck came back clean, but his availability for Tuesday's Game 4 against Minnesota remains unclear, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
The initial diagnosis for Lively was a sprained neck, and the center will continue to be evaluated Monday. More clarity is expected Monday evening, but for now, Lively should be considered questionable for Tuesday's Game 4.
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Dereck Lively II C | DAL
Mavericks' Dereck Lively: Won't return to game
Lively (neck) has been ruled out for the remainder of Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals against Minnesota on Sunday.
Lively sustained a neck sprain in the second quarter of Sunday's matchup after taking a knee to the back of the head, and he'll be unavailable down the stretch. Prior to his departure, he recorded six points (3-3 FG), three rebounds, two assists and a block in nine minutes. Whether he'll be available for Tuesday's Game 4 remains to be seen.
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Dereck Lively II C | DAL
Mavericks' Dereck Lively: Deemed questionable to return
Lively is questionable to return to Sunday's Game 3 matchup against the Timberwolves due to a neck sprain, Mike Curtis of The Detroit News reports.
Lively was noticeably shaken up after taking a knee to the head and has been diagnosed with a neck sprain following initial testing. Dwight Powell will likely pick up minutes at the five if Lively is unable to return.
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Dereck Lively II C | DAL
Mavericks' Dereck Lively: Suffers head injury
Lively suffered an apparent head injury with 8:35 remaining in the second quarter of Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals against the Timberwolves on Sunday, Mike Curtis of The Detroit News reports.
Lively took a knee to the back of the head and remained down for several minutes. He was helped to the locker room once he got up, but he was walking very gingerly. He'll presumably be evaluated for a concussion, and his status for the remainder of the game appears to be in jeopardy. Lively tallied six points (3-3 FG), three rebounds, two assists and a block in nine minutes prior to sustaining his injury.
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Luke Kornet C | SA
Celtics' Luke Kornet: Questionable for Monday
Kornet (wrist) is questionable for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers on Monday, Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com reports.
Kornet suffered a sprained left wrist early in Game 2 against Indiana and carried a doubtful tag prior to Game 3 before being officially held out. The questionable tag is a slight upgrade, but with the Celtics up 3-0, there is no indication they will risk further injury to the 28-year-old before a potential Finals series. If Kornet is unable to go, Oshae Brissett will likely serve as the backup center.