Dallas Mavericks: Maxi Kleber (oblique) out at least 1 week

The Dallas Mavericks gave Maxi Kleber his first start of the season on Oct. 31 with Kristaps Porzingis out. Kleber was fresh off a six-block performance before getting off to a fast start on Halloween. He had seven points and five rebounds in the first seven minutes of action but suffered an injury on a dunk attempt.

Kleber never returned on Sunday afternoon, but the Mavericks still picked up a victory. The big man was ruled out well in advance of Thursday’s game, and fans knew that meant it was unlikely to be just a one-game absence.

During his pregame press conference, new head coach Jason Kidd offered an update on Kleber’s status going forward. Let us take a closer look.

Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (oblique) out at least 1 week

Kidd ruled out Kleber for seven to ten days with an oblique injury, which means he will miss at minimum the games against the Heat, Spurs, Celtics, and Pelicans. The 6’10 forward could return on Nov. 10 in Chicago against the Bulls, but that is no guarantee at this point.

J-Kidd did offer a positive update on Kristaps Porzingis as he noted the Unicorn could be back on the floor on Wednesday night in San Antonio. Fans should watch his status closely heading into tipoff.

Any time the Mavericks are without Porzingis and Kleber, their rim protection is suspect. Dwight Powell and Willie Cauley-Stein will fill in at center as Dallas goes small around them. The Mavs need Jalen Brunson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Reggie Bullock, and Dorian Finney-Smith stepping up against the Heat. It will be interesting to see how coach Kidd plays it if KP returns on Wednesday.

Hopefully, Maxi Kleber heals quickly and gets back in the lineup. Dallas Mavericks fans know he is an important piece of their success, and the team will miss him over the next week. Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest on his injury, and all the news and analysis supporters crave.