Mavericks' Dereck Lively: X-rays negative on ankle

X-rays on Lively's right ankle returned negative after the center was removed in the first quarter of Tuesday's 118-99 loss to the Nuggets, NBA reporter Chris Haynes reports.

Lively was diagnosed with a sprained right ankle upon exiting the contest, and the X-rays confirmed that the second-year center avoided any structural damage. Even so, the severity of Lively's sprain isn't yet known, so the Mavericks haven't offered up a clear timeline for his return to action. Even if Lively's sprain is of the Grade 1 variety, he'll most likely miss Wednesday's game against the Pelicans. Daniel Gafford would presumably start Wednesday in Lively's place, while Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell could also fill out minutes at center.