Mavs' Dante Exum Progressing Toward Return, Seth Curry Ruled Out vs. Celtics

The Mavs are expected to get Dante Exum back in their lineup as he continues to deal with a right plantar sprain. He fully practiced on Sunday for the first time.

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks have dealt with no shortage of injuries throughout the season. Dante Exum is progressing toward a return to the lineup as the team gears up for two-game homestand games against the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns.

The Mavs will list Exum as doubtful on their injury report before they face the Celtics. He's been sidelined since he was ruled out at halftime of the team's Jan. 1 blowout loss against the Utah Jazz due to a right plantar sprain. 

Dante Exum doing some light shooting with assistant coach Alex Jensen at the Dallas Mavericks facility.

Exum hasn’t played since Jan. 1 when he was ruled out against the Utah Jazz. He is dealing with a right plantar sprain. pic.twitter.com/LOF9R34tqc

— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) January 21, 2024

Seth Curry will be added to the Mavs' injury report after he suffered a left ankle sprain during Sunday's practice. Dallas doesn't have a concern about Kyrie Irving after he collided with LeBron James during Thursday's game, as he's practiced fully multiple times since that occurred. 

Christopher Crevelin-USA TODAY Sports

When Exum was healthy, the Mavs intended starting lineup was to include him on the wing next to Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Dereck Lively II, with Derrick Jones Jr. at the four spot. The coaching staff intended to maximize on-ball defensive capabilities while having three ball handlers. 

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Exum did all non-contact portions of Friday's practice but went through a full practice on Sunday. Mavs coach Jason Kidd didn't speak to the media after Sunday's practice but did offer an update on how Exum has progressed on Friday. 

"Yeah, it's great that he's going in that direction," Kidd said. "When you talk about being out on the court, he did everything non-contact today. Hopefully, tomorrow will be another positive day where he's not sore and he can do a little bit more. But again, he's going in the right direction. So we're excited to see him back on the floor."

Exum has averaged 9.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 30 games this season. The Mavs have gone 8-6 in 14 games he's started, averaging 14.5 points, 4.4 assists and 3.6 rebounds in those games.