Guard Dante Exum of the Mavericks is expected to play against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, marking his comeback to the starting lineup after missing the most of the previous two months.
Listed as likely are Dereck Lively, Luka Doncic, and Exum on Dallas’ injury report, which was made public today. Due to right knee bursitis, Exum has missed the last 13 games and has only participated in three games since the year 2024 began. Maxi Kleber is rated as dubious and is probably not going to suit up.
For the Mavericks, it’s a nice sight, since Exum was possibly having his greatest stretch of play of his NBA career before he went down. On December 8 against the Portland Trail Blazers, Exum started in place of an injured Kyrie Irving and did so for the rest of the month. Averaging 15.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in December, Exum had an incredible month of shooting 60.6 percent from the field, 53.3 percent from three, and 84 percent from the free throw line.
Dallas has battled with backup guard minutes even with Irving’s return. Tim Hardaway Jr. has been in a protracted slump, and coach Jason Kidd has placed all of his faith on second-year player Jaden Hardy. Even if Josh Green starts every game, the Mavericks will have greater stability at guard now that Exum is back.
