Jason Kidd has confirmed the Dallas Mavericks will be without five key players, including Dereck Lively II, for their crucial matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Lively has suffered a stress fracture in his right ankle, which will keep him sidelined for at least four weeks, potentially extending to three months, according to reports. Despite earlier optimism following a sprained ankle, Lively's condition worsened after a recent game against the Denver Nuggets.

In addition to Lively, the Mavericks are also missing Luka Doncic, Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, Jaden Hardy, Dante Exum, and Dwight Powell due to various injuries. Kidd noted that while Exum's recovery is progressing with recent workouts, the team's injury woes have hindered their performance. The Mavericks currently sit seventh in the Western Conference and Kidd emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present rather than the standings.