Mavs forward Wood in the sick bay with a fractured thumb
The Dallas Mavericks will have to do without forward Christian Wood for the next week at least.
Christian Wood will be sidelined for at least one week after suffering a fractured thumb, the Dallas Mavericks announced on Thursday. The injury occurred during Wednesday’s loss against the Atlanta Hawks, which was the forward’s 42nd appearance this season out of a possible 46.
In his 17 outings since being introduced into the starting line-up, the Mavericks’ key offseason addition has averaged 20.4 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game, functioning as his side’s second option behind superstar Luka Doncic. While primarily known for his offensive ability, Wood has begun to become a more imposing shot-blocking presence, tying his career-high with 1.3 blocks per game, while trending towards a career-best season.
He averaged 1.6 blocks during the month of December, and has taken it up another notch in the new year, averaging 2.3 blocks during his eight games in January. That 2.3 blocks figure would have him fourth in the NBA if he could maintain it over a full season.
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Out of the four games Wood has missed this season, the Mavericks have only won one, and their next week of action includes fixtures against playoff contenders the Miami Heat, the Los Angeles Clippers and the Phoenix Suns.