DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks are one win away from clinching a berth in the NBA Finals, but they have several injuries ahead of Tuesday’s Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Mavericks’ updated injury report, filed Monday, lists Luka Doncic (right knee sprain, left ankle soreness) and Maxi Kleber (right shoulder AC separation) as questionable for Game 4. Derek Lively II (neck sprain) is questionable and Olivier Maxence Prosper (left ankle sprain) remains sidelined.
Kleber sustained the injury while attempting to attack the rim in the first round of the playoffs. A three-week re-evaluation was initially announced following Kleber’s injury, but some reports said it could be six weeks. He has been working diligently on his conditioning, and has already been upgraded to “questionable,” suggesting a return to the lineup is imminent.
Doncic had previously been announced as available to play but was initially in doubt for Game 3, but that was later made a game-day decision after coach Jason Kidd updated the media on his health before the game.
The Slovenian superstar led the Mavericks to a stellar performance, scoring 33 points to go along with seven rebounds, five assists, five steals and a block. Doncic practiced on Monday and is expected to play in Game 4.
Lively suffered a gruesome injury in Game 3 that sidelined him for the remainder of the series, and he was diagnosed with a neck sprain and is questionable for Game 4. He was not seen on the court during Monday’s open practice, so with no clear timeline for his return, his availability for Game 4 is a big question mark.
Getting Kleber back soon would be beneficial for the Mavericks, who are facing a need to maximize their size and versatility. He’s been a top stretch-five, switch-option small-ball center all season and will be needed especially if Lively has to miss some time. Daniel Gafford will play a key role in setting the tone at the center position.
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