Overview
- ESPN’s Shams Charania reports Dereck Lively II is on track to return Friday after a right knee sprain that sidelined him since October 26.
- Asked about playing, Lively stopped short of confirming his status and told reporters, "Time will tell."
- Anthony Davis is listed as questionable with a left calf strain after seven consecutive absences, with a report noting team governor Patrick Dumont seeks medical data before sign-off.
- Clippers injuries further affect the matchup, with Kawhi Leonard out due to a right ankle sprain and Bradley Beal out with a left hip fracture as L.A. sits at 3-8 and Dallas at 3-9.
- Dallas’ frontcourt has been thin despite Daniel Gafford’s return, while PJ Washington is questionable, Kyrie Irving and Dante Exum are out, and rookie Cooper Flagg is available.