Mavericks' trade deadline plans may surprise given recent rough patch

Injuries have been the Dallas Mavericks' worst nightmare this season. It seems as though every week, another Mavs star or role player is getting hurt. As injuries pile up, so does the team's injury report. Dallas is already expected to be without six players Monday including Dante Exum and Luka Doncic.

One player added to the list is Maxi Kleber. Kleber injured himself Saturday against the Boston Celtics. He left the game late in the third quarter after coming down hard. Dallas announced that Kleber suffered a right foot fracture and could be out for an extended period. This is a major blow for Kleber and Dallas, as it is not the first time he has been injured this season.

Kleber's injury leaves a dramatic hole, as the Mavs' center position is wearing thin. For instance, earlier this week the team announced that Dereck Lively II suffered an ankle fracture and will miss extended time. His injury complicates things, as Dwight Powell has been out with a right hip strain since last week. The team signed Kylor Kelley to a two-way deal while waiving Jazian Gortman to fill this void, and he could end up playing on Monday night.

Mavericks will remain calm despite injury bug

Yet, despite injuries piling up, Dallas is resilient enough to not hit the panic button. The team believes that over time, the injuries will pass and the Mavs will get to their original form. Dallas was forced to make massive moves over the past few seasons, but it doesn't look like that will be the case this season.

Dallas has insisted that they will not make any moves based on panic. Earlier last week, general manager Nico Harrison spoke (subscription required) on "The Mavs Stepback," podcast. Hosts Dalton Trigg and Drew Johnson got to speak with Harrison about his mindset with the recent injuries heading into the trade deadline.

"We look at everything," Harrison said. "But we're not going to be reactionary to a short-term injury."

Harrison's comments have Mavs' fans feeling hopeful as he believes the team can bounce back.

"We really do like our team," Harrison said. "I'm an optimistic person, so I try to look at the silver lining. It's better to be injured now and not be injured in the playoffs. So, if you're injured now, chances are you're going to be healthy when it matters."

Harrison might be on to something. For starters, Doncic's "goal" is to return before the All-Star Break. Assuming this becomes a reality, then there really is no need to panic.

If you recall, Dallas usually gets hot after the All-Star Break. Last season, Dallas went 18-9 after the break, as they were able to find some momentum. The team went on multiple winning streaks and got hot at the right time. Dallas used their fuel to go 12-5 in the first three rounds of the playoffs and advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011.

The Mavs have another chance to go a run this season assuming everyone comes back within their expected time. This should give the team a fighting chance to move up in a couple of spots in a crowded Western Conference. The team currently remains 2.5 games from the fifth spot and 4.5 games from third place.

Until then, it will be up to Kyrie Irving and Daniel Gafford to keep the team afloat. Both players will play a pivotal run in helping Dallas remain in the playoff hunt. If Irving, Gafford, and the rest of the team can learn to close out late games then the Mavs should be just fine until everyone else returns. Their venture to winning begins on Monday when they take on the Washington Wizards at home.