Report: Mavs' Lively won't play in Game 4 of WCF vs. T-Wolves

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II has been ruled out of Game 4 of the Western Conference finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to a neck sprain, sources told TNT's Chris Haynes.

Lively appeared to suffer the injury midway through the second quarter of Game 3 when Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns inadvertently hit the Dallas rookie in the back of the neck with his leg after Lively fell to the ground chasing a rebound.

The 20-year-old had to be helped off the floor by Mavs teammates and didn't return to the game.

Lively was a perfect 13-of-13 from the field during the series, averaging 9.6 points and 7.6 rebounds against Minnesota.

The Mavericks lead the series 3-0 and will try to complete the sweep in Dallas on Tuesday.