Hours remain before two very proactive Western Conference sides battle it out. The top-seed Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of their second-round clash. The home team has reported a clean injury report. While all of their players are available an already hobbled Luka Doncic faces another major loss for the latter.

During the closeout Game 6 against the Los Angeles Clippers, stretch forward Maxi Kleber took a hard fall early in the game. The accident forced him to call it a night and watch his teammates triumph from the locker room. Reports claim he completely dislocated the AC joint in his shoulder.

Kleber was an active part of the Dallas rotation against the Clippers in the first round. Shams Charania recently revealed the severity of Kleber’s injury, but there is also some good news for the ardent Dallas fans.

Luka Doncic will miss Kleber but rejoice for another return

Speaking on the Run it Back show, Charania detailed the exact return schedule for Maxi Kleber. After suffering the injury in his right shoulder, he claims the organization will evaluate him after three weeks. He is definitely out for tonight’s Game 1 against the Thunder and could potentially miss the entire postseason.

“He is going to be out potentially for the entire playoffs. I’m told he has a dislocated AC joint in his right shoulder. That’s the injury he has suffered in that closeout game against the Clippers. He is going to be out significant period of time. They will reevaluate him in three weeks but I’m told it’s going to be much longer than that,” said Charania.

Kleber gave the Mavericks flexibility to operate on the floor. Not only was he nailing threes from beyond the arc but his defensive impact will be hugely missed. He played an integral part in the Mavericks’ late-season defensive improvements. Against the Clippers, he held opponents to just 28.9% when shooting from less than 10 feet.

Thunder, who play relatively small would have difficulties scoring on the inside with Kleber tracking the lanes. It also prohibits the Mavericks from opening up their offense since a reliable shooter won’t be suiting up tonight.

While it’s dreading news, a ray of hope could potentially improve the Mavericks’ chances against the Thunder. After missing out on the last four games of the previous series, shooting threat Tim Hardaway Jr. could make his return tomorrow. He was suffering from an ankle injury which has significantly improved. He even partook in the Mavericks practice sessions after Game 6 against the Clippers says Grant Afseth.

The Mavericks are swamped with multiple injuries in their camp. Even Luka Doncic is dealing with a persistent knee injury that is unlikely to heal with time. He is still listed as probable but admitted he will have to shoot through the pain in order to participate in the ongoing playoffs.

Do you think the loss of Maxi Kleber is a hurdle the Mavericks can live through? Let us know your views in the comments below.