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:
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