Christian Wood fractures thumb: How will Dallas Mavericks big man miss?

The Dallas Mavericks struggled mightily on the defensive end in their loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, but the biggest blow came on Thursday. Fans saw Christian Wood shaking his left thumb, and he even got it taped during the game, but the 6’10 big man played through it. He finished with 22 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks in 35 minutes of action, but it was announced on Jan. 19 that he fractured his thumb during the game.

The Mavs press release stated that Wood would be evaluated next week, which means he will at least miss the remainder of the team’s homestand. Dallas will be thin in the frontcourt with Maxi Kleber already out.

How long will Wood be sidelined, and how will the Mavericks adjust without the big man? Here is a look at all the latest.

Christian Wood fractures thumb: How will Dallas Mavericks big man miss?

According to Hashtag Basketball’s injury database, which dates back to 2010, three NBA players have suffered a fractured left thumb and the average time missed is 15 days. The average missed time for a right thumb is 32 days with the shortest return in 18 days. Wood fractured his left thumb, but he is still likely to miss at least two weeks of action.

The Mavericks have seven games over the next two weeks, including showdowns against New Orleans, Miami, Phoenix, and the Clippers. It is no easy stretch, and Dallas has already lost three straight games. How will they adjust without Christian Wood?

The Mavericks will need more production and minutes from Dwight Powell and JaVale McGee. Dallas will also play more small ball with Dorian Finney-Smith, Davis Bertans, and Luka Doncic seeing time at the five. The Mavs are already the worst rebounding team in the NBA, but it could be worse without C-Wood. They will need to increase their effort on defense and the boards if they want to win games during this stretch.

Christian Wood fracturing his thumb is a massive loss for the struggling Dallas Mavericks. Hopefully, he makes a speedy recovery, and stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest.