Dallas Mavericks: Maxi Kleber and Josh Richardson out vs. Wizards

Dallas Mavericks Maxi Kleber Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Mavericks Maxi Kleber Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Mavericks are searching for their fourth straight win as they face the Washington Wizards on April 3. They will have to do it without three starters, though. Kristaps Porzingis was ruled out to rest on the second night of a back-to-back. The Mavs will also be without Maxi Kleber and Josh Richardson because of leg injuries.

Dallas will need a massive performance from Luka Doncic if they are going to top the Wizards on Saturday night. Washington superstar Bradley Beal will miss his fourth straight game with a hip injury, but the Wizards have the rest advantage. The Mavs will be thin in the frontcourt too.

In addition to KP, Maxi, and JRich being out, Willie Cauley-Stein remains in the health and safety protocols. Who will start for Dallas? Which players will need to step up against Washington? Let us take a closer look.

More. Why fans should not worry about Kristaps Porzingis

Maxi Kleber and Josh Richardson out vs. Wizards: How steps up for the Dallas Mavericks?

Expect coach Rick Carlisle to shift to playing small without two members of his starting frontcourt. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jalen Brunson should both surpass 30 minutes against Washington on Saturday night. They will need them both to step up and make up for Dallas being without three starters.

Nicolo Melli, Dwight Powell, and Boban Marjanovic should get plenty of minutes in the frontcourt. The new addition from the J.J. Redick trade has impressed in limited minutes. It will be interesting to see how he performs with an extended run on Saturday night.

There should also be additional minutes for Trey Burke and Josh Green in Washington. Mavericks fans would love to see the rookie step up and earn consistent playing time going forward. He will get a crack with Dallas short-handed on April 3.

The Dallas Mavericks are facing an uphill battle against the Washington Wizards. Can Luka Doncic lead them to victory? Expect a stellar performance from the 22-year-old as he tries to lift the Mavs to their fourth-straight victory. Do not miss it.

Next. Is Tim Hardaway Jr. a long-term fit for the Mavs?