The Raptors’ return to the Mavericks lineup signifies his comeback after being absent for the majority of the past two months.
Today, Dallas issued its injury report, listing Exum, Luka Doncic, and Dereck Lively as probable. Exum has been sidelined for the last 13 games due to right knee bursitis and has only participated in three games since the start of 2024. Maxi Kleber is considered doubtful and is unlikely to play.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73170870/usa_today_22381102.0.jpg?w=708&ssl=1)
This news is a relief for the Mavericks, as Exum was enjoying perhaps the best stretch of his NBA career before his injury. He began starting in place of the injured Kyrie Irving on December 8 against the Portland Trail Blazers and continued to start for the rest of the month.
Exum’s performance in December was remarkable, averaging 15.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game with impressive shooting percentages of 60.6 percent from the field, 53.3 percent from three-point range, and 84 percent from the free-throw line.
Even with the return of Irving, Dallas has struggled with backup guard minutes, as coach Jason Kidd has fully trusted second-year man Jaden Hardy and Tim Hardaway Jr. has been in a long slump. Exum’s return gives the Mavericks more stability at guard, even if Josh Green continues to start.
