Mavs' Dante Exum Nearing Return to Lineup, Still Sidelined Due to Knee Injury

The Mavs resumed practicing on Tuesday coming out of the NBA All-Star break, but Dante Exum was unable to participate.

The Dallas Mavericks resumed practicing on Tuesday after having time off during the NBA All-Star break. The team will have multiple days to prepare before facing off against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night. 

Dante Exum was not among the participants in practice due to a right knee injury he's continued to deal with. His injury began being labeled "soreness" during initial reports before being changed to "bursitis." Luka Doncic, who participated in the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, received an excused absence and will return from vacation in time to practice on Wednesday. 

"Exum did not practice — right knee. Luka is on vacation. He'll be back for practice tomorrow," Mavs coach Jason Kidd said after Tuesday's practice.

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Exum has remained sidelined since January 26, when he recorded nine points and three assists in 27 minutes against the Atlanta Hawks. He could not play in the Mavs' final 10 games before the All-Star break and is expected to be sidelined when the team faces the Suns. 

Kidd did mention Exum could return during the upcoming four-game Eastern Conference road trip, including matchups beginning with a matchup against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, followed by stops against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors, and Boston Celtics. 

"No setback. He's been working out," Kidd said of Exum. "He'll practice tomorrow, non-contact. I think the plan is for somewhere on that road trip to get him back."

Exum has averaged 9.2 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.8 rebounds in 32 games this season, shooting 57.1 percent from the floor, 47.7 percent from beyond the arc, and 72.7 percent on free throws. His career year has hit a snag due to various injuries, limiting him to only three games played since the start of January. 

Mavs' Luka Doncic Praises Dante Exum's 'Amazing' Impact Amid Career Year

The Mavs have yet to gain a look at their recent trade additions, P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, along with Exum. At one point, Exum had solidified himself as a starter on the wing alongside Doncic and Kyrie Irving, but Dallas could not gain an extended look at that configuration either due to injuries.