Maxi Kleber played a key role in the Mavericks’ run to the Western Conference Finals in 2022.

As Dallas looks to return to the third round of the NBA Playoffs, it will do so without the 32-year-old’s services.

In the team’s first-round win over the Clippers in 2024, Kleber suffered a shoulder injury that puts his availability for the rest of the postseason in question. His absence will be felt in the second round against the Thunder, who had the third-best offense during the regular season.

Without Kleber, the Mavericks will lean even more on Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington and Dereck Lively II.

Here’s what you need to know about Kleber’s injury and his status for the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

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Kleber is dealing with a right shoulder sprain.

Kleber suffered the injury in Game 6 of the Mavericks’ first-round matchup with the Clippers. He landed on his shoulder after being fouled by Amir Coffey on a layup attempt in transition.

Here’s a video of Kleber’s injury:

Kleber split the free throws and exited the game. He did not return.

Kleber suffered a full dislocation of the AC joint in his right shoulder, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported. He’s expected to miss a “significant period of time” that could keep him sidelined for the remainder of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

Kleber was limited to 43 games in the regular season. He averaged only 5.7 points in 19.4 minutes per game in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, but he knocked down 55.6 percent of his 3-point attempts. His shooting from the center position provides important spacing for Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, and he’s one of the more versatile defenders on Dallas’ roster.

The Mavericks went 27-16 with Kleber and 23-16 without him during the regular season.

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