They have a bit of a cushion as they currently lead the Mavericks 96-79. The Nuggets entered the game having won three straight and they're just one quarter away from another. Will they make it four,

Mavs center Dereck Lively II suffered a sprained right ankle in Tuesday night’s game against the Denver Nuggets and exited the floor with the training staff. Shortly after, the Mavericks announced that Lively would remain out for the rest of the game.

DALLAS — Dereck Lively II exited Tuesday's Denver Nuggets- Dallas Mavericks game with a right ankle sprain. The Mavs announced before the second quarter that Lively will not return to the game. Lively has played a pivotal role in the Mavs' recent success, and he will unquestionably be missed for the remainder of the game.