Lively successfully underwent surgery on his right foot Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Lively sought out multiple opinions on his right foot, but it was ultimately determined that season-ending surgery was the best course of action for the third-year center, and he's expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2026-27 season. Daniel Gafford and Dwight Powell will continue to serve as the main big men for Dallas behind Anthony Davis in Lively's absence.

Lively is slated to undergo season-ending surgery in the coming days to address lingering discomfort in his right foot, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lively sought multiple opinions on his foot since suffering a setback in his last appearance Nov. 21, but doctors determined that surgery was the best course of action. The 21-year-old is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2026-27 season. He made just seven appearances during his third NBA season, posting averages of 4.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.6 blocks in 16.4 minutes per contest. Daniel Gafford is likely to have a higher minutes floor for the rest of the season with Lively out of the mix, and Moussa Cisse and Dwight Powell could continue to see more opportunities in backup roles.

The Mavericks announced Thursday that Lively (foot) has no timetable for a return, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lively is getting multiple opinions regarding the swelling and discomfort in his right foot. It sounds like the third-year center can be labeled as week-to-week until the next steps in his recovery are determined. Dallas should continue to lean on Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford (ankle) for the center minutes.

Lively (foot) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Heat.

EDGE Analysis

Lively will miss his sixth consecutive contest due to a right foot injury, and he can be considered doubtful ahead of Friday's game against the Thunder. With the third-year center remaining on the shelf, Daniel Gafford (ankle) should continue to see increased run if he's cleared to play.

Lively (foot) will miss the next three games and will be re-evaluated in seven-to-ten days, the Mavericks announced Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

This follows up a previous report from NBA reporter Marc Stein that indicated the Mavericks were fearful of the center missing extended time. Lively is currently being evaluated for swelling and discomfort in his right foot, and that's notable since it's the same foot he had offseason surgery on. This means Lively will be sidelined through Dec. 1, with an earliest possible return date of Dec. 3 against the Heat. Fantasy managers should brace for a longer absence, however. In the meantime, Daniel Gafford is likely to see a bump in fantasy appeal.

According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, it is feared that the Mavericks could face an extended injury absence for Lively (foot).

EDGE Analysis

Lively missed Monday's game against Miami for right foot injury management, but he may be dealing with something more severe based on this report. Lively has appeared in just seven games thus far after offseason foot surgery, and the center can't seem to stay on the floor. Fantasy managers will need to sit tight until more clarity is known.

Lively (foot) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Heat.

EDGE Analysis

Lively will miss Monday's contest due to right foot injury management, marking his second consecutive absence. With the third-year center sidelined, Moussa Cisse and Dwight Powell are candidates for increased minutes behind Daniel Gafford.

Lively (knee/rest) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Grizzlies.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, Lively will take a seat for the second half of Dallas' back-to-back set after posting four points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block in 18 minutes off the bench during Friday's win over the Pelicans. In his absence, Daniel Gafford should start at center, with Moussa Cisse carving out a larger role in the frontcourt.

Lively is not in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Pelicans.

EDGE Analysis

The Mavericks will start Daniel Gafford at center, and while Lively is expected to see action, he's still playing under a minutes restriction. That limit conspires against his fantasy upside, as he's yet to log more than 21 minutes in a single game this season.

Updating a previous report, Lively (knee) is available for Friday's game against the Pelicans, per Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com.

EDGE Analysis

The Mavericks mistakenly ruled Lively out as a late scratch for Friday with a knee sprain, but the big man is suiting up after all. He should continue handling fewer than 20 minutes until Dallas loosens up his restrictions following an extended absence, per Kevin Gray Jr. of AllDLLS.com reports.