The Dallas Mavericks are set to face the Detroit Pistons on Friday night, and they appear to be regaining some health. Last week, the Mavericks had as many as seven players unavailable, but that number has now dropped to four.
Luka Dončić did not travel with the team due to a calf strain, but the Mavericks are optimistic about his return before the All-Star break, which falls around Valentine’s weekend. With two weeks to go, there’s a chance he could be back on the court once the team returns from this extended road trip.
Dallas’ frontcourt remains short-handed, with Dereck Lively II (right ankle stress fracture), Maxi Kleber (right foot fracture), and Dwight Powell (right hip strain) still sidelined. Kleber recently underwent foot surgery, making a return this season uncertain. His contract could potentially be used as part of a trade before the February 6th deadline.
On the Pistons’ side, Jaden Ivey, who suffered a severe left fibula fracture earlier in the season, is the only player ruled out for this game.
Dante Exum’s Status Upgraded—Could He Make His Return?
Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum was recently upgraded to “doubtful” for the first time this season before the team’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, though he ultimately remained out. Now, for Friday’s game against Detroit, he has been upgraded to “questionable.”
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd commented on Exum’s progress Wednesday in New Orleans, saying, “It’s trending in the right way… Hopefully, that continues, and hopefully, we get to see him sometime, maybe on this trip. Maybe.”
Exum has yet to play this season after undergoing wrist surgery in the preseason. Last year, he was a key defensive asset and secondary ball-handler while also showing improvement in his three-point shooting. Whether he can maintain that perimeter shot post-surgery will be something to monitor when he eventually return.
