JaVale McGee is active for the first time this season for Mavericks

JaVale McGee will be active for the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday for the first time this season, setting up a potential season debut against the Oklahoma City Thunder as the Mavericks look for their seventh-straight win.

Earlier this chance, Rick Carlisle said he was almost sure McGee wouldn't play in November, but clearly that timeline has changed. McGee has been recovering from a left tibia fracture that has sidelined him for long stretches the past couple of years.

For the Mavericks, this is just another testament to the incredible work done by Casey Smith and the rest of the Dallas training staff. Wesley Matthews opened the season after suffering an Achilles injury last March and Chandler Parsons has gradually worked his way back, as well. Though they've had a solid track record for years, this season might be their finest work yet.

On McGee's end, this is a chance to join a surprisingly successful team that's missing an athletic roll man. Three seasons ago, he developed into a quality backup big man in Denver. Dallas is his best chance to do that again on a team that could use his added length and explosiveness around the rim.