The Dallas Mavericks suffered another setback as guard Dante Exum broke a bone in his left hand during their 133-96 loss to the Houston Rockets on Friday night. Exum, who has already missed significant time this season due to injuries, will be out indefinitely, further depleting an already shorthanded Mavericks roster. His injury adds to the team’s struggles as they fight to stay competitive in the Western Conference.
Exum, in the final year of his contract, has appeared in only 18 games this season. He had previously been sidelined for most of the season following wrist surgery from an injury sustained in training camp. His latest injury is another unfortunate blow after working hard to return to the court. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd expressed sympathy for Exum, acknowledging the challenges the guard has faced throughout the season.
Injury-Ravaged Mavericks Struggle to Stay Competitive Amidst Uncertain Return Timelines
The Mavericks were already dealing with a significantly reduced roster, entering Friday’s game with only nine available players. Key contributors, including Kyrie Irving (knee) and Olivier-Maxence Prosper (wrist), have been ruled out for the season. The team continues to struggle with injuries, impacting their ability to compete effectively as they hover around a .500 record.
Additionally, the Mavericks have no clear return dates for power forward Anthony Davis (adductor), center Dereck Lively II (ankle), and center Daniel Gafford (knee). However, Davis and Lively have recently increased their basketball activities, giving some hope for their return. With injuries piling up, the Mavericks face an uphill battle as they attempt to secure a playoff spot.
