TORONTO – Desperate for a win to stop a three-game road losing streak, the Mavericks hope to welcome back Maxi Kleber when they visit the Toronto Raptors Saturday afternoon (4 p.m. tipoff, Dallas time).

Kleber, who has missed the last four games with a sore lower back, went through a full practice Friday at Scotiabank Arena and is probable for the Raptors’ game.

“We’ll see how he feels tomorrow,” coach Jason Kidd said. “Getting Maxi back helps us defensively and then when you look at the spacing, it gives guys more space. Maybe the break helps him with his shots. But we’re not judging him on makes. It’s just good to get another healthy body back.”

Kleber, who has averaged just 4.5 points and shot 27.3 percent from three-point range this season, still is a major part of the Mavericks’ rotation. He is one of their most versatile defenders who is able to switch onto virtually any size opponent.

He said when he took that nasty fall against the Los Angeles Clippers last week, it was more than just a bruise.

“That’s why I had some issues,” he said. “The swelling and all that is gone, but I had some minor muscle issues. I really couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t run. But it’s good now. We have a good staff. They know what they’re doing.”

The Raptors, meanwhile, have hit a rough patch, having lost four of their last six games and two in a row, including Wednesday’s home game against Brooklyn by 14 points.

So either this is a good time to be catching the Raptors or they’ll be desperately mad to find a way to win by any means possible.

The Mavericks are hoping for the former, but expecting the latter.

And while the Mavericks may be getting healthier, the same cannot be said for the Raptors. All-star forward Pascal Siakam (adductor) has missed the last nine games with an adductor issue that he suffered against the Mavericks in their visit to Dallas on Nov. 4.

Second-year forward Scottie Barnes is questionable. They also aren’t certain about the availability of Precious Achiuwa and Otto Porter Jr.

The Mavericks are 1-5 on the road after Wednesday’s 125-112 loss at Boston. Something’s got to give as both of these teams have lost two in a row.

Here’s what else you need to know about today’s match:

  • Luka Dončić should be well-rested and there is always the chance that he is rested during one of these weekend games as the Mavericks have a quick turnaround Sunday at Milwaukee. But the Mavericks need a victory and Luka’s 34 points per game still lead the NBA and his 9 rebounds and 8.1 assists aren’t bad, either.
  • Fred VanVleet has emerged as one of the rising point guards in the league, averaging better than 18 points and six assists per game. Even in their depleted state, VanVleet will have a solid sidekick in OG Anunoby, who averages 18 points and six rebounds and also leads the NBA with 2.4 steals per game.
  • When healthy, the Raptors are the No. 1 offensive rebounding team in the league and they also are second in fewest turnovers. Add on that they lead the league in steals at more than 10 per game and are sixth in blocks and there are a lot of ways they can hurt you 3 both ends of the floor.
  • While Jason Kidd was mum on the possibilities after Friday’s practice, the Mavericks could be set for a starting lineup change after consecutive losses for the second time this season. They have not lost three in a row yet this season. “Ask me tomorrow, same answer. No answer. Too soon,” said Kidd.
  • Interestingly, the Mavericks were 10-7 after 17 games last season, but this is about the time that the COVID-19 monster reared its ugly head. A rash of 10-day contract signees sent the Mavericks on a 6-11 skid that lasted until New Year’s Eve.
  • Since returning from injury two weeks ago, forward Christian Wood has scored 15 or more points in five of six games and 26 or more in three of those. He’s averaging 19.8 points during that stretch.
  • Dorian Finney-Smith on this stretch of games: “We got to step up to the plate and look at these games as if we’re going to win ‘em. These are great teams. Toronto is long, can switch everything on defense and you know what you got with Giannis and the Bucks. So it’s going to be a great test, especially right now when we’re trying to figure out what our identity is.”

 

  • DALLAS MAVERICKS (9-8) at TORONTO RAPTORS (9-9)
  • When: 4 p.m., Saturday.
  • Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto.
  • TV: Bally’s Sports Southwest.
  • Radio: 97.1 The Freak, 99.1 FM Zona MX (Spanish).
  • Twitter: @ESefko

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