Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Mavs get good news on Maxi Kleber ahead of Game 4

By Jeff Smith | Last updated May 28, 2024 12:42 PM ET

Holding a 3-0 series lead over the Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals, the Mavericks received good news ahead of a potential NBA Finals-clinching Game 4.

Maxi Kleber, who's been sidelined since logging just five minutes in Game 6 against the Los Angeles Clippers with a shoulder injury, was cleared to return for Game 4 on Tuesday night against Minnesota.

The Athletic's Shams Charania was the first to report the news, and it couldn't come at a better time.

Dallas’ Maxi Kleber (shoulder) has been cleared to make his return tonight vs. Timberwolves with Mavericks one win away from the NBA Finals, sources say. https://t.co/zVqVhOadSL
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 28, 2024

Kleber's return comes ahead of a game when Dallas will be without talented rookie big man Dereck Lively, who suffered a neck sprain in Game 3.

Kleber has posted marks of 4.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists this season, but his role behind Daniel Gafford will play well into his skillset. While the absence of Lively will unquestionably hurt the Mavericks, his timeline will remain a situation to monitor.

Lively has emerged as a difference-maker off the bench for the Mavericks. Before leaving the last game injured after nine minutes, he had played 27 minutes in each of the first two games. Over that two-game span, he averaged 11.5 points and 10.0 rebounds while shooting an eye-opening 100 percent from the field (10-of-10 in two games).

Jeff Smith

Jeff Smith has extensive experience as a sports writer and editor, including stops at ESPN, FOX Sports, CBS Sports, USA TODAY SMG, and Heavy. Jeff's passion for sports content starts and finishes with writing and he's grateful to be able to work in that field on a daily basis.

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