The Dallas Mavericks provided multiple important injury updates on Monday.

Dereck Lively II suffered an injury scare in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It appears that the Mavs rookie avoided a serious injury and was initially listed as doubtful with a strained neck. After the Mavericks' NBA injury report surfaced, however, NBA insider Chris Haynes of TNT and Bleacher Report reported that sources said Lively will not play in Game 4.

The Mavericks are hopeful that Lively can return as soon as possible. If they are able to clinch an NBA Finals appearance on Tuesday in Game 4, Lively would have time to rest before the NBA Finals.

Meanwhile, Maxi Kleber, who has not played since enduring a shoulder injury against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first-round of the playoffs, has been upgraded to questionable. Kleber was seen shooting at practice on Monday and it appears that he's on the verge of returning.

Kleber is a versatile big man who can stretch the floor. His possible return will be important for Dallas, especially with Lively out.

Olivier-Maxence Prosper will also miss Game 4. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic is listed as questionable once again. Doncic has been dealing with left ankle soreness and a right knee sprain and was questionable for Game 3. He was ultimately made available ahead of tip-off, however.

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Dallas will not take anything for granted. The idea of simply resting Luka Doncic has been floated around by some people around the NBA world, but the last thing the Mavs want to do is give the Timberwolves any hope in the series. Doncic is probably going to play unless his injuries cause the Mavs to rule him out for Game 4.

Lively's neck injury will keep him out for Game 4. It is not certain how much time he will have to miss. Again, Dallas would obviously love to have Lively return for a potential NBA Finals appearance. But they still need to book their ticket to the championship series.

In a perfect world, the Mavericks would clinch a Western Conference Finals victory in Game 4 and have everyone healthy for the NBA Finals. Things don't always work out as perfectly planned, but that scenario is a possibility based on these latest updates. It should be noted that Prosper's injury timeline is uncertain, however.

Nevertheless, the Timberwolves will fight hard to keep their season alive in Game 4. Although the Mavs lead the series 3-0, Minnesota has kept each game competitive up to this point. It certainly has not been a boring series by any means.

With Dereck Lively II out according to Haynes, the Mavericks will provide further updates on Luka Doncic and Maxi Kleber on Tuesday ahead of tip-off. At the moment, it seems like there's a chance that both will play. Dallas will wait and see how they both feel on Tuesday, though.

We will continue to monitor and provide updates on the Mavericks' injury concerns as they are made available.