David Lee will miss at least two games against OKC with a tear in his right heel

OKLAHOMA CITY – David Lee has a tear in his right heel that he acknowledged will force him to miss the first two games of the Dallas Mavericks’ best-of-seven first-round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

A valuable backup center for the Mavs, Lee suffered the injury in the first half of this past Wednesday’s 96-91 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Yet he hopes to be able to play in Game 3 on Thursday when this series shifts to Dallas.

"I got sidestepped and I just came down with all my weight on my heel awkwardly,’’ Lee said of his injury. "I knew right when it happened.

"I thought I’d probably maybe just bruised it. But it ended up being a tear.’’

Since joining the Mavs of Feb. 22, Lee averaged 8.5 points and seven rebounds in just 17.3 minutes while playing 25 games. Those are numbers the Mavs can definitely use against a Thunder team that’s the best in the NBA when it comes to rebounds.

"David is key for us rebounding the basketball,’’ point guard Deron Williams said. "Offensively, he’s a great passer, a great finisher.

"Defensively, he’s helped us a lot blocking shots, being a post presence down there. So we’re going to miss D-Lee on both ends of the floor for sure.’’

Lee has been receiving constant treatment since the injury occurred, and is anxious to get back on the court and assist his teammates.

"It’s frustrating I can’t initially be a part of it these first couple of games, but like they say, stranger things have happened,’’ Lee said. "Hopefully I can heal up quick and help us later on.

"We’ll see as this series goes on and possibly if we can advance, we’ll see if I’m able to make an impact and come back and play. Obviously our medical staff is great, our training staff, I’ll get treatment and do everything I’m supposed to do.’’

Lee’s very first game with the Mavs on Feb. 24 was against Oklahoma City. In that contest he played 15 minutes, scored four points, snatched four rebounds, handed out two assists, produced a steal and was 2-of-3 from the field.

"He’s just another vet that’s been through the battles,’’ guard J. J. Barea said. "He’s a smart player, a good rebounder.’’

No time is a good time to suffer an injury. But certainly not right when the postseason is about to start.

"The timing is bad,’’ lee said of his injury. "We had our goal a few weeks ago of making the playoffs and we had to make a heckuva run to get here.

"That was a great goal we accomplished. I sure want to be a part of it.’’

And he’s hopeful of being a part of it. Just not in these first two games in Oklahoma City.

"It’s very frustrating, especially with the time,’’ Lee said. ""All you can do is continue to work the process and get treatment every day.’’

This story was originally published April 16, 2016 at 3:02 PM with the headline "David Lee will miss at least two games against OKC with a tear in his right heel."