NBA Player News

Lively (neck) is questionable for Thursday's Game 5 against Minnesota.

Lively missed Game 4 due to his sprained neck, but he does appear to be trending in a positive direction. We should get another update following Thursday's morning shootaround, but if Lively is able to return, Daniel Gafford's minutes would dip and Dwight Powell could fall out of the rotation entirely.

Coach Joe Mazzulla said Wednesday on the Zo and Bertrand Show that Porzingis (calf) is "ramping up the intensity level" ahead of the NBA Finals, but the big man's status for Game 1 remains to be determined.

The Celtics are waiting on the winner of the Western Conference Finals between the Mavericks and Timberwolves, but it sounds like Porzingis has a shot to return early on in the NBA Finals. There are likely to be daily updates on Porzingis' status, but Boston fans have reason to be optimistic based on Muzzulla's update.

Lively (neck) could return as soon as Thursday's Game 5 against Minnesota, Shams Charania said on FanDuel's Run It Back.

Lively avoided the concussion protocol and is trending in a positive direction. If Lively can give it a go, Dwight Powell would be unlikely to crack the rotation and Maxi Kleber's floor would be a bit lower in fantasy formats. More clarity is expected on Wednesday afternoon after the Mavericks practice.

Kleber (shoulder) played 13 minutes and finished with two points (1-3 FG, 0-2 3Pt), one rebound and one assist in Tuesday's 105-100 loss to the Timberwolves in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.

The Mavericks were without backup center Dereck Lively (neck) for Game 4, but the return of Kleber from an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder -- which he suffered in Game 6 of the opening-round series against the Clippers -- helped restore some depth in the frontcourt. Kleber and Dwight Powell (three minutes) saw only light run behind Daniel Gafford (31 minutes) and P.J. Washington (42 minutes), and if Lively is back for Game 5 on Thursday, Kleber could see his playing time decline further.

Kleber (shoulder) has been cleared to play in Tuesday's Game 4 against the Timberwolves, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.

Kleber has been on the sidelines since May 3 with an AC joint separation, but he returned to practice Monday. The fact that the Mavericks are clearing him to play prior to warmups is also a good sign. Kleber could absorb some of the minutes that Dereck Lively (neck) was getting recently.

Turner left Monday's Game 4 against the Celtics due to a back injury but was cleared to return for the second half, Tony East of SI.com reports. He finished with eight points (2-6 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds and one assist over 27 minutes in the loss.

Turner's performance indicates that his back injury slowed him down, as he wasn't much of a factor in the 105-102 loss. The Texas product also contended with foul trouble, which limited his ability to be aggressive. Turner will now shift his attention to the offseason after his squad was swept by Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals.

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.

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.

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.

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.