Mavericks Face Setback as Dante Exum Breaks Hand

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks faced yet another setback in their challenging season after guard Dante Exum suffered a broken bone in his left hand during Friday night’s game against the Houston Rockets.

Exum, who has struggled to stay on the court this season, exited the game midway through the second quarter and went directly to the locker room. He played only seven minutes before the injury, scoring two points on three shot attempts. According to sources, Exum is now out indefinitely, further depleting a Mavericks roster already hindered by numerous injuries.

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd expressed sympathy for Exum following the loss that dropped the team to 33-35. “This has been a tough season for him. I feel bad for him because he worked extremely hard to get back. Now, for this to take place, it’s unfortunate,” Kidd said.

The Mavericks entered the game with just nine active players, and the injury to Exum only compounds an already difficult situation. Notably, guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (knee) and forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper (wrist), who underwent season-ending surgery, are among the players sidelined. Additionally, power forward Christian Wood (adductor), center Derek Lively II (ankle), and center Maxi Kleber (knee) are dealing with their own injury issues, although the team has indicated that they are ramping up their basketball activities.

A press release from the Mavericks confirmed that Exum would be evaluated in four weeks, though no specific timetable for his return has been established. This unfortunate turn of events adds to a season marred by injuries and may impact the Mavericks’ push toward the postseason.

Exum, currently in the final year of his contract, has played in only 18 games this season following a right wrist injury sustained during training camp that caused him to miss three months. He made his comeback at the end of January, but the latest injury has placed his future with the team, as well as their playoff aspirations, in jeopardy.