NBA
Why isn’t Maxi Kleber playing for the Mavs against the Thunder in game 1 today?
The power-forward was injured during Friday’s win over the Los Angeles Clippers, but will he be back for the game against the Thunder?
Ahead of the Mavericks’ semifinal tie against the Thunder at Paycom Center, fans are biting their nails over the fitness of Maxi Kleber, who went down in the second quarter of his side’s last game, against the Los Angeles Clippers.
The German hurt himself when he took a tough fall in the second quarter of the 114-101 Game 6 win; his grimacing face from the pain was clear to see as soon as he landed after trying to shoot around Amir Coffey, with the injury news being confirmed shortly afterwards.
What injury does Maxi Kleber have?
A statement from the side said the following:
The Dallas Mavericks announced today that an MRI revealed a right shoulder AC joint separation for forward Maxi Kleber.
Kleber sustained the injury in Q2 of the Mavericks’ first-round playoff game against the L.A. Clippers on Friday.
Kleber will be re-evaluated in three weeks.
When will Maxi Kleber return for the Mavs?
Given that the best-of-seven series is set to run until 20 May, Kleber will certainly miss the conference semi-finals in their entirety. If the Mavs progress, he will likely miss the finals as he will be without game sharpness.
Who is injured for the Mavs against the Thunder?
According to the official NBA injury report, which must be submitted by 5pm local time on the day before a game, Olivier-Maxence Prosper is out with a left ankle sprain, while Luka Doncic is listed as probable, despite him clearly not being 100% fit with a recurring knee issue.
As for the Thunder, they do not have any names on the injury list and have a fully fit squad ahead of the game.
Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs conference semi-finals will see the Mavericks visit the Thunder on Tuesday 7 May 2024. Tip-off at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is scheduled for 9:30pm ET/6:30pm PT.