Mavericks big man Maxi Kleber is undergoing an MRI to assess the severity of the right shoulder sprain he suffered in Friday’s Game 6 win over the Clippers, a source tells Tim MacMahon of ESPN.
The injury occurred early in the second quarter when Kleber drove to the basket to attempt a layup and was fouled by Clippers wing Amir Coffey (video link). Kleber fell to the floor hard, landing on his right shoulder. He stayed in the game to shoot his free throws, making one of two, but immediately checked out and didn’t return.
As relayed earlier on Saturday, head coach Jason Kidd told reporters after the game that he wasn’t sure if the injury would cause Kleber to miss time or how long he might be sidelined. He added that the team will take a “next man up” approach.
Still, if Kleber cannot suit up when the Mavericks’ second-round series vs. Oklahoma City tips off, it would be a meaningful loss for Dallas. The German was one of the club’s most-used reserves in the first round, averaging 5.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 19.3 minutes per game off the bench. He’s a solid frontcourt defender who knocked down 10-of-18 three-pointers (55.6%) vs. the Clippers.
Dereck Lively, Daniel Gafford, and P.J. Washington will be among the candidates for increased roles if Kleber misses time, with Dwight Powell — who only played garbage-time minutes in round one — moving up the depth chart.
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