Like two ships in the night. The Dallas Mavericks get one guy back, and almost just as soon lose another. Mavs center Dereck Lively II suffered a sprained right ankle less than four minutes into Tuesday night’s game against the Denver Nuggets and exited the floor with the training staff.

The Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets are facing off again on Tuesday night after playing each other on Sunday as well. The Nuggets defeated Dallas on Sunday

Jamal Murray’s season-high scoring night came on the heels of Michael Malone almost shutting him down at halftime in Denver’s previous game on Sunday.

Now, the group heads to Dallas for a game that could have major implications on the Western Conference standings. The Nuggets are just half a game ahead of the Mavericks, so a win could give them a 1.5-game advantage. They sit at 22-15 on the season.

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Mavericks center Dereck Lively II clutches his ankle after a rebound attempt and exits the game in the first quarter.

The Dallas Mavericks received some very welcome news on Tuesday night, as Kyrie Irving returned from a five-game absence due to a back injury. Irving’s return, however, did not result in a victory, as the Denver Nuggets,

The Mavericks ruled starting center Dereck Lively II out with an ankle sprain just four minutes into their Tuesday game against Denver, the team announced.

Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving returned for Tuesday night's home game against the Denver Nuggets. Irving, who is averaging 24.3 points and 4.9 assists per game this season, was sidelined the past week because of a lower back injury.