About four minutes into the Dallas Mavericks' recent contest against the Denver Nuggets, starting center Dereck Lively left the contest with an ankle injury. Ev

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Mavericks center Dereck Lively II received an X-ray for a right ankle sprain suffered Tuesday night against Denver. Results were negative, but no timeline has been established for his return. Lively sustained the ankle injury less than four minutes into the Mavericks' 118-99 loss.

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, who has been sidelined since Jan. 1 with a back injury, returned to action in Tuesday’s home game against the Denver Nuggets. Irving finished with 11 points (on 4-for-18 shooting), four rebounds, two assists and four steals in Dallas’ 118-99 loss.

Dereck Lively II exited Tuesday’s Denver Nuggets-Dallas Mavericks game with a right ankle sprain. The Mavs announced before the second quarter that Lively will not return to the game. Lively has played a pivotal role in the Mavs’ recent success,

Like two ships in the night. The Dallas Mavericks get one guy back, and almost just as soon lose another. Mavs center Dereck Lively II suffered a sprained right ankle less than four minutes into Tuesday night’s game against the Denver Nuggets and exited the floor with the training staff.

Despite his improvement on the offensive end recently, Dereck Lively II's injuries could quietly force the Dallas Mavericks into a pivotal trade soon.

Following Tuesday's loss to the Denver Nuggets, Irving spoke in the Mavericks locker room about the injury and prognosis.

Dereck Lively II has long been linked to becoming the Dallas Mavericks' center of the future. However, an unforeseen issue could cause the team to think twice.

The Mavericks ruled starting center Dereck Lively II out with an ankle sprain just four minutes into their Tuesday game against Denver, the team announced.