Jason Kidd of the Mavs: Dereck Lively II is doubtful to play against the Knicks on Thursday.

Following a medical procedure, Jason Kidd, the coach of the Dallas Mavericks, stated that rookie Dereck Lively II is unlikely to travel with the team for their current three-game road trip.

Following an accidental blow to the face on January 29, Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. caused Lively to receive a nasal fracture diagnosis. He had surgery on Monday to realign his nose, and he should be back in court soon.

Due to the injury, the 12th pick missed his fourth consecutive game on Tuesday. After the procedure, he stayed in Dallas and is probably going to sit against the New York Knicks on Thursday.

“We’ll decide tomorrow, but I believe it is more likely he won’t be on this trip,” Kidd remarked of Lively before Tuesday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets.

For the first time, Lively worked out with the Mavericks on Friday while wearing a safety mask. After the surgery, he will probably need it, and in order to stop more damage, he could have to wear it for some time.

With a 73.9% shooting percentage, the 19-year-old has started 35 of his 36 games and averages 9.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 1.3 assists. He is in the top three rookies in multiple categories: blocks (third), offensive rebounds (first), rebounds (second), and points (10th).

Lievely was one of the eleven rookies chosen to play in the All-Star Weekend NBA Rising Stars game. With Luka Doncic’s participation in 2019 and 2020, he became the first Mavericks player to participate in the yearly showcase.