Mavericks Upgrade Danté Exum to Questionable Ahead of Pistons Matchup, Nears Season Debut
Danté Exum has been upgraded to questionable ahead of the Dallas Mavericks' matchup vs. the Detroit Pistons, signaling progress in his recovery from wrist surgery.
DETROIT — The Dallas Mavericks upgraded Danté Exum to questionable for Friday’s matchup against the Detroit Pistons, marking a significant step toward his return from right wrist surgery.
Exum has been sidelined since surgery earlier this season but has steadily progressed, participating in pre-game workouts and on-court drills recently. His latest upgrade on the injury report signals optimism that he could return during the Mavericks’ five-game road trip.
Before Wednesday’s 137-136 win against the New Orleans Pelicans, head coach Jason Kidd spoke about Exum’s recovery, stating that he was “trending in the right direction” and could return at some point during the road trip.
“He’s trending in the right way,” Kidd said. “The wrist feels really, really good. He looks good. We’ll see how he does today and tomorrow and hopefully that continues and hopefully we get to see him maybe sometime on this trip – maybe.”
The Mavericks have dealt with a series of injuries, with Luka Dončić (left calf strain), Dereck Lively II (right ankle stress fracture), Maxi Kleber (right foot fracture), and Dwight Powell (right hip strain) all remaining sidelined. Exum’s potential return would bolster the Mavericks’ backcourt depth as they navigate a shorthanded rotation.
Exum was expected to play a key role off the bench behind Dončić and Kyrie Irving this season, providing secondary ball-handling and defensive versatility. Last year, he averaged 7.8 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in 55 games while nearly securing a starting wing role before being sidelined with knee bursitis.
With Dončić’s return expected before the NBA All-Star break—most likely after this current road trip—the Mavericks could be whole in the backcourt again soon. However, the team will continue to have to overcome frontcourt injuries.
The Mavericks’ five-game road trip continues in Detroit on Friday, followed by matchups against the Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers.
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