Key injured Dallas Mavericks could return for game 4 of series? Here’s what we know
Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber hasn’t played since spraining his acromioclavicular (AC) joint in game six of the Dallas’ opening-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Kleber’s injury was initially thought to be possibly season-ending but it seems the forward could return soon after receiving a questionable status ahead of Tuesday’s game four of the NBA Western Conference Finals series with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Before game four, Kleber spoke to the media, saying he would warm up and see how he feels to determine if he can play.
Even if Kleber can’t play in game four, a questionable status increases the likelihood that he will be available to play in the NBA Finals should the Mavs win their series against the Wolves.
Dallas leads the series 3-0, a deficit that no team has come back from in NBA history.
The Mavs will be without rookie center Dereck Lively, according to Chris Haynes, who suffered a neck sprain in the previous game after taking an inadvertent knee to the head from Karl Anthony Towns.
In the first round against the Clippers, Kleber averaged 5.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 55.6% from three-point range.
Kleber’s ability to shoot the three has allowed the Mavs to use him in the past as a floor-spacing center to relieve pressure off Luka Doncic and could be crucial if they advance to play the Boston Celtics for the Larry O’Brien trophy.
The Mavs will continue their series with the Wolves at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at American Airlines Center with a chance to advance to the NBA Finals with a victory.
