Maxi Kleber Ruled Out for Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks frontcourt will be a little thin Saturday night when they take on the Washington Wizards. Kristaps Porzingis was previously ruled out, and Maxi Kleber’s status was listed as questionable. Kleber has since been ruled out, leaving Dwight Powell, Nicolo Melli, and Boban Marjanovic to fill the four and five spots.
Marjanovic will start at center, and Melli will fill the power forward role when the Mavs tip-off against the Wiz. Marjanovic has been reliable in the starting lineup in limited use; he averages 10.0 points and 11.5 rebounds in the two starts he’s had at center. Saturday night will be Melli’s first start of the season. His contributions have been limited this season, as he averages only 10.7 minutes, 2.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 25 appearances. Marjcanovic carries a $3,900 salary on the main slate at FanDuel, and Melli’s is $3,500.
Despite missing some key pieces upfront, the Mavs are still priced as 6 point favorites at FanDuel Sportsbook. The total sits at 229, which has moved up off the opening number.