Mavericks center Dereck Lively reportedly has fractured foot, will miss multiple months

Dallas Mavericks v Miami Heat MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 24: Dereck Lively II #2 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Kaseya Center on November 24, 2024 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) (Rich Storry/Getty Images)

By Jason Owens, Yahoo Sports

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively has a fractured foot and is expected to miss 2-3 months, ESPN's Shams Charania reports.

The news is a blow to the Mavericks and Lively, who was experiencing a breakout in his second NBA season.

In 32 games including 25 starts this season, Lively has averaged 9.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.7 blocks while shooting 70.1% from the field in 24 minutes per game.

Lively was splitting time at center with veteran center Daniel Gafford. Gafford projects to take over the bulk of the minutes in the post in Lively’s absence. Maxi Kleber is in line for a bigger reserve role.