Mavericks' Plan for Maxi Kleber Ahead of Potential Game 4 Return Revealed

The health of the Dallas Mavericks' frontcourt is the biggest storyline as the team prepares for a potential closeout game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Unfortunately, center Derrick Lively is already confirmed to miss Game 4 as he nurses a neck sprain, though it turns out fellow big man Maxi Kleber may be able to take the floor in this matchup.

Nothing is for certain in terms of Kleber's availability just yet, but it seems Dallas' plan for Kleber's return has been revealed.

Marc Stein, who has connections in the Mavs' organization, says the team is preparing to play Kleber "limited minutes" in Game 4 if he's cleared. Stein notes a final decision will be made prior to tip-off on Tuesday at American Airlines Center.

This intel sets the expectations for Mavericks fans ahead of this important matchup. It's clear Jason Kidd and co. will be cautious with Kleber, who's been sidelined since May 3 after suffering an AC sprain in his right shoulder.

Kleber's possible return to the floor could not have come at a better time for Dallas as it tries to survive the absence of Lively, who's immediately become one of this lineup's most important players as a rookie. The German forward isn't as strong of a scorer or presence on the boards, but his defensive flexibility makes him an asset, especially since Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic do some much of the heavy lifting on offense.

It remains to be seen how effective Kleber is as he shakes off rust following nearly a month of missed action. However, the Mavericks will take any help they can get in the frontcourt with Lively's absence looming large and a hungry Karl Anthony-Towns looking to make an impact on this series.

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