Sun Feb 02 06:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Mavericks’ Center Depth Crumbles as Kleber Suffers Foot Fracture

**Dallas, TX –** The Dallas Mavericks are facing a major crisis in their frontcourt after power forward/center Maxi Kleber suffered a right foot fracture during Saturday’s loss to the Boston Celtics. The injury, confirmed by the team, comes just days after starting center Dereck Lively II was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right ankle, leaving the Mavericks alarmingly thin at the center position.

Kleber, who limped off the court in the third quarter, will be reevaluated this week, but sources indicate he’ll be sidelined for an extended period. Lively is expected to miss two to three months. Adding to the woes, reserve center Dwight Powell has been out for the past four games with a strained hip, leaving Daniel Gafford as the only healthy big man on the roster.

“It’s a hole. It’s tough,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said after the game, expressing disbelief at the string of injuries. “I’ve never seen anything like it, and it’s not going to get any better.”

While there’s some hope that Powell could return during the team’s upcoming five-game road trip, the Mavericks are actively exploring options to bolster their depleted center position. The front office is reportedly considering the trade market, two-way contracts, and 10-day contract signings, but is wary of sacrificing significant assets for a short-term solution. The team’s immediate future hinges on finding a viable solution to this critical roster shortage.

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