Maxi Kleber’s Foot Injury Adds to Growing List of Absences

The Dallas Mavericks’ injury list has grown even longer after backup center Maxi Kleber sustained a right foot injury during a 122-107 loss to the Boston Celtics on Saturday. The 32-year-old Kleber left the game late in the third quarter and did not return, with the team confirming that he will be re-evaluated next week. This marks yet another setback for the Mavericks, who are already dealing with a number of key injuries.

Kleber, who has already missed 12 games this season due to previous injuries, has been a reliable contributor off the bench. Averaging 3.1 points and 2.8 rebounds in 19 minutes per game, he has served as the primary backup to starting center Daniel Gafford. With Kleber now sidelined, the Mavericks find themselves with just one available center, further exacerbating their injury woes.

The injury to Kleber is the latest in a series of setbacks for the Mavericks, who have been without several key players this season. Dereck Lively II, who has started 25 games as the team’s starting center, has been out since January 15 due to a right ankle stress fracture. Dwight Powell, Dallas’ primary starting center before Lively’s emergence, has missed the last four games with a hip injury. To add to the growing list, reserve forward Naji Marshall has missed the last three games with an illness.

But perhaps the most significant absence for the Mavericks has been superstar Luka Dončić. The three-time All-Star and third-place finisher in last season’s MVP race has been sidelined since Christmas Day with a left calf strain. Dončić, who has been the focal point of the Mavericks’ offense, has missed 24 of Dallas’ 46 games this season due to multiple injuries. His absence has left a significant void in the team’s performance, as they struggle to find consistency without their star player.

The Mavericks’ injury problems have undoubtedly affected their ability to perform at a high level this season. With key players like Kleber, Dončić, and others unavailable, the team has been forced to rely on their remaining healthy players to step up and fill the gaps. However, the ongoing injuries have made it difficult for Dallas to maintain any semblance of stability on both ends of the floor.

As the Mavericks look ahead, they will need to rely on their depth and hope for a quicker recovery for their injured players. Kleber’s absence, in particular, leaves the team even thinner in the frontcourt, and it remains to be seen how long it will take for him to return to action. With Dončić’s status still uncertain, the Mavericks will have to find a way to weather this storm and stay competitive in the Western Conference.

In the meantime, the Mavericks will need to continue adjusting to their injuries and hope that some of their key players can return to the lineup soon.