The Celtics defeated the Mavericks 122-107 on Saturday night, but the victory was overshadowed by news that key reserve Maxi Kleber suffered a broken right foot during the game. Kleber’s injury further depletes the frontcourt for the defending Western Conference champions, who are already missing starting center Dereck Lively due to a stress fracture.
Kleber, who had just returned from an oblique issue and was facing a minutes restriction, will likely be out of action for multiple months. With Lively also sidelined for an extended period, the Mavericks will rely heavily on center Daniel Gafford and veteran Dwight Powell. The team may need to consider making a move before the trade deadline on Feb. 6, but their options are limited due to their current lack of healthy assets.
Kleber, who was averaging 3.1 points and 2.8 rebounds in 19 minutes per game, was making $11 million, but his trade value has decreased significantly due to the injury. The Mavericks, now the No. 9 seed in the Western Conference with a record of 24-22, are also without MVP candidate Luka Doncic until the All-Star Break due to a calf injury.
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