The Dallas Mavericks are one win away from the NBA Finals, and they may be about to get some significant help as they try to close out the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Monday that forward Maxi Kleber is on the verge of a return, and has been upgraded to questionable for Tuesday’s Game 4. Kleber has missed the better part of a month with a shoulder injury.
Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber is on cusp of a return to the postseason, he has been upgraded to questionable for Game 4 vs. Timberwolves. Kleber has been out since May 3 due to an AC joint shoulder separation.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 27, 2024
This will come as a pleasant surprise for the Mavericks. Kleber got hurt in the Mavericks’ series-clinching first-round win against the Los Angeles Clippers and was thought to be done for the postseason. Dallas’ extended run, however, has made his return possible, if not probable, at some point.
The 32-year-old forward averaged 20 minutes per game for the Mavericks during the regular season, making him a key rotational piece. He was essentially occupying a reserve center role for Dallas against the Clippers before he got hurt, but his size will help against the Timberwolves and Boston Celtics, if Dallas gets to the finals.
