Mavericks Injury Updates Against Warriors: Kleber Suffers Rib Fracture, Washington Returns, and More
After losing 118-104 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup Quarterfinals, the Dallas Mavericks will look to rebound against the Golden State Warriors. With the Mavs’ 16-9 record and the Warriors’ 14-10 record, this matchup features the fourth— and fifth-ranked teams in the Western Conference standings, both seeking a bounce-back performance.
The Mavericks are dealing with a mounting injury list as they prepare to face the Warriors on Sunday night at Chase Center. After practicing for the second consecutive day on Saturday, the team submitted an injury report.
P.J. Washington will return after a one-game injury absence after being removed from the injury report. However, the team will remain without Naji Marshall (illness), Jaden Hardy (right ankle sprain), Maxi Kleber (illness and rib fracture), and Danté Exum (right wrist surgery).
“It feels great,” Washington said. “Obviously, I wasn’t feeling good, so I’m just happy to be feeling better and back with the guys.”
Kleber has continued to provide defensive versatility, but his offensive game has struggled. While he’s dealt with an illness recently, the Mavericks added the rib fracture designation on Saturday. Despite this, he got shots up on Friday and did sprints on Saturday after practice.
The Mavericks have averaged 1.7 points and 3.0 rebounds in 17.0 minutes per game, shooting 34.6% from the field and 22.2% from beyond the arc. He’s on pace to join 38-year-old P.J. Tucker as the only player in the past decade to average fewer than 2.0 points despite playing over 15 minutes per game.
Washington’s versatility and defensive presence will be critical against the Warriors, particularly in addressing the rebounding and turnover issues that plagued the Mavericks in their previous meeting. He’s averaged 12.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 19 games this season, but going beyond the box score, his ability to guard multiple positions, control the glass, and provide vocal leadership on the court enhances Dallas’ chances in a tough matchup.
“When I’m on the floor, I try to be a presence vocally, helping everyone get in the right spots, and controlling the glass,” Washington said. “I focus on doing all the little things a team needs to win.”
Exum remains sidelined following right wrist surgery but continues to make progress. He has yet to play this season after his injury in training camp. Exum worked out during practice while wearing a protective brace. Head coach Jason Kidd praised Exum’s dedication to staying engaged despite his injury.
“He’s doing a lot of work with his left hand,” Kidd said. “It’s been impressive to see him stay involved and find ways to contribute despite the injury.”
The Mavericks’ previous meeting with the Warriors on November 12 ended in a narrow 120-117 loss. Golden State capitalized on turnovers and offensive rebounds to take control. Dallas committed 17 turnovers, resulting in 21 points for the Warriors, while allowing 18 offensive rebounds. Washington did not play in the previous meeting between these two teams.
Stephen Curry (right cervical facet inflammation) and Andrew Wiggins (right adductor tightness) are questionable on the Warriors’ injury report against the Mavericks. Gui Santos (G League) is questionable, while De’Anthony Melton (ACL tear) is ruled out, along with a trade to the Brooklyn Nets set to be finalized on Sunday.
The Mavericks have relied on Olivier-Maxence Prosper while they’ve dealt with various injuries at the power forward spot. He’s averaged 4.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in his last three games. With Washington back, Marshall and Kleber sidelined, Prosper is a potential player to watch.
“With O-Max, he’s a guy who’s stepping up and doing those things,” Washington said. “I keep encouraging him to focus on the little things, keep talking, and be vocal out there. I’m really happy with his growth, and I think he’ll eventually be really good.”
Tipoff against the Warriors is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CST.
