Dallas Mavericks starting lineup, rotation with three players out of protocols

What could change for Dallas Mavericks when Maxi Kleber returns?

Kleber will be in the nightly rotation playing over 20 minutes per game. The Mavs love his defense and ability to stretch the floor. Expect him to play primarily at the four next to Kristaps Porzingis, Dwight Powell, Willie Cauley-Stein, or James Johnson. Will coach Carlisle give Johnson time at the three with Kleber and another big man? Expect him to experiment with that unit when Maxi returns.

Remember, Kleber started three straight games before he was forced into the league’s health and safety protocols. Will he take Finney-Smith’s spot in the starting five when he returns? The Mavericks could opt to shift Tim Hardaway Jr. into the sixth man role with Finney-Smith and Kleber starting at the forward spots.

Coach Carlisle will need some time to tinker with his rotations when Maxi Kleber returns. He is going to figure out who plays well together and how the team can make a deep playoff run. Expect Carlisle to try a lot of different combinations during the regular season.

Right now, the Dallas Mavericks have 11 players that should be in the rotation. Someone will be on the outside looking in, but that depth could pay off in this uncertain season. Hopefully, the Mavs stay healthy and find their footing. This could be an elite team with everything clicking. Stay tuned to see how it all pans out.