The Dallas Mavericks were shorthanded on Saturday night as they hosted the LA Clippers. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Marquese Chriss were both ruled out before tipoff with injuries, and Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans are still unable to play as the Kristaps Porzingis trade gets finalized. Things went from bad to worse for the shorthanded Mavs in the opening quarter as Trey Burke suffered a shoulder injury.
Burke was playing a consistent role over the last three games as Dallas searched for ball-handling and playmaking with Hardaway Jr. sidelined. It led to a stretch to three straight games with double-digit minutes, including an 18-point game from Burke against the Pistons. Fans know he can provide some instant offense off the bench, and the Mavericks might need that in the postseason.
Burke appeared to jam his shoulder in the first quarter, which quickly forced him back to the locker room. The Mavs ruled him out for the remainder of the game before halftime with what they called a left shoulder injury. Here is a look at the latest and who steps up with Burke out.
Dallas Mavericks Trey Burke injures shoulder vs. Clippers: Unable to return
Burke played just two minutes on Feb. 12 before suffering the injury. Mavs head coach Jason Kidd subbed in Frank Ntilikina as the injury made Dallas even more shorthanded on the wing. The French Prince and Josh Green had to step up against the LA Clippers on Saturday night.
The Mavericks traded for Spence Dinwiddie in the Kristaps Porzingis deal. He will come off the bench and provide instant offense moving forward. Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans are expected to make their Mavericks debuts on Tuesday night in Miami against the Heat. The newest additions will likely bump Trey Burke from the rotation.
Fans should stay tuned for the latest on Burke’s shoulder injury and all the news, rumors, and analysis on the Dallas Mavericks. Hopefully, the 6’1 guard makes a speedy recovery and is ready to face the Heat on Tuesday night.