Mavericks rule out Luka Doncic and place Maxi Kleber in health and safety protocols

The Dallas Mavericks will again be shorthanded as they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves for the second straight game. Luka Doncic will miss his fifth straight game with ankle soreness. Fans have seen the 22-year-old superstar working out on the court before games, but he is just not ready to return. Doncic is far from the only Maverick ruled out for Tuesday’s game.

The Mavericks placed Maxi Kleber in the health and safety protocols on Monday afternoon. He is the third player to join the list in the last three days. Dallas will be without Reggie Bullock, Josh Green, and Kleber until they can clear out of the protocols.

The Mavs also ruled out Willie Cauley-Stein (personal) and Eugene Omoruyi (foot) for the Dec. 21 contest against the Timberwolves with Kristaps Porzingis being listed as questionable with a toe injury he suffered in the team’s last game. Who steps up for the Mavericks on Tuesday night?

Mavericks ruled out Luka Doncic and Maxi Kleber to face the Timberwolves

Without Luka, Jalen Brunson will remain in the starting five and lead the team’s offense. They will need a massive performance from the 25-year-old because Dallas will be shorthanded on Tuesday night.

The Mavericks signed Theo Pinson and Marquese Chriss with hardship exceptions to fill in, but they still could only have 11 active players against the Timberwolves. Tim Hardaway Jr. will need to pick up the scoring, especially if Kristaps Porzingis is ruled out. He dropped 28 points on the Wolves on Sunday night, and the Mavs will need a repeat if they want to have a chance to win in the rematch.

It is a tall order to win without Luka Doncic, but add in multiple role players being out, and the Dallas Mavericks are up against it on Dec. 21. Can Jalen Brunson and Tim Hardaway Jr. lead them to an upset win? Fans should tune in to find out on Tuesday night because Dirk Nowitzki will join Mark Followill on the call. Do not miss it.