Kleber Ruled Out for Mavericks’ Matchup Against Jazz, Kidd Could Leverage Small-Ball Adjustment
Maxi Kleber is out vs. Jazz with a hamstring injury. Mavericks’ coach Jason Kidd could adjust rotations, leaning on different small-ball lineups for frontcourt versatility.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks will be without Maxi Kleber for Monday’s game against the Utah Jazz after he was ruled out due to a right hamstring injury sustained in Saturday’s 114-102 loss to the Phoenix Suns.
The Mavericks’ move to downgraded Kleber from questionable to ruling him out isn’t surprising considering he wasn’t on the court for Monday’s shootaround.
Kleber exited the game in the fourth quarter, contributing 2 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists in 16 minutes. Known for his defensive versatility and shooting, Kleber’s absence is expected to impact the Mavericks’ frontcourt rotation, prompting the team to explore smaller lineups.
With a busy stretch ahead—three games in four nights—the Mavericks returned to Dallas without a practice on Sunday. Head coach Jason Kidd mentioned previously that the team feels prepared to adapt by using smaller lineups when needed.
“We have 48 minutes of protection at the center; we can slide Maxi into that situation,” Kidd said recently. “And even PJ, if we want to go small, if there’s a team out there that’s going to play small, we feel we can play small.”
Kidd may look to P.J. Washington and Naji Marshall to step into Kleber’s role, having utilized both players alongside Luka Dončić, Klay Thompson, and Kyrie Irving after Kleber left the game against Phoenix.
The Mavericks’ depth has already been tested, with guard Danté Exum sidelined following right wrist surgery. Exum participated in limited on-court activity during Saturday’s shootaround, using only his left hand as he continues his recovery.
With Kleber out, Dallas will likely lean on its lineup flexibility to maintain defensive coverage and spacing in the frontcourt as they prepare to face Utah.-
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