The Mavericks missed their chance to sweep the Timberwolves. Now, they have to travel back to Minnesota to try to close out the Western Conference Finals.
Dallas suffered its first loss of the series in Game 4 despite Luka Doncic’s 28 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. It was clear the Mavericks were struggling with frontcourt depth without rookie Dereck Lively II, who suffered a sprained neck in Game 3.
Reserve bigs Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber (who just returned from a shoulder injury for the first time since the first round) couldn’t provide the same level of energy on the glass and rim protection on defense as Lively.
Will Lively be available for Game 5 as Dallas tries to close out the series? Jugo Mobile has you covered with the latest updates below.
Is Derek Lively II playing tonight?
The Mavericks have listed Lively as questionable for Game 5. It appears there is a chance he will be cleared to play.
“There is obviously a possibility [Lively] could play in Game 5”, Athletic’s Shams Charania reported on Wednesday.
“The good news for the Mavericks is that he is not currently in the concussion protocol, but still, this is something they wanted to be safe about.” [when they] “He left him out for Game 4. There’s a chance he comes back for Game 5, they just have to evaluate him today and tomorrow.”
The rookie center has been an important piece to Dallas’ deep playoff run. He is averaging 8.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.1 blocks per game in his first postseason, providing consistent pressure at the rim on both ends of the floor.
Lively’s +109 plus/minus is good for fifth best of any player in the 2024 playoffsfurther proving his value in just 21.5 minutes per game.
Please check back for updates as they become available.
Timberwolves vs. Mavericks start time
- Date: Thursday May 30
- Time: 8:30 pm Eastern Time | 7:30 pm central time
Timberwolves vs. Mavericks will begin shortly after 8:30 pm ET on Thursday, May 30. The game will be played at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
What channel broadcasts Timberwolves vs. Mavericks tonight?
- Television channel: TNT
- Live broadcast: Sling
Timberwolves vs. Mavericks will air on TNT. Viewers can also stream the game on Sling.
Sling is the home for sports fans, offering a wide range of channels. You can always cheer on your favorite teams with channels like ESPN, TBS, TNT, NFL Network, FS1 and more.
Timberwolves vs. Mavericks schedule
Here is the complete schedule of the NBA Playoff series between Timberwolves and Mavericks:
(3) Timberwolves vs. (5) Mavericks: Dallas leads 3-1
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV/live broadcast |
| May 22nd | Mavericks 108Timber Wolves 105 | — | — |
| May 24 | Mavericks 109Timber Wolves 108 | — | — |
| May 26 | Mavericks 116Timber Wolves 107 | — | — |
| May 28 | timber wolves 105, Mavericks 100 | — | — |
| May 30 | Game 5 | 8:30 pm | TNT, Sling |
| June 1st | Game 6* | 8:30 pm | TNT, Sling |
| 3 of June | Game 7* | 8:30 pm | TNT, Sling |
*If necessary
