Jason Kidd: Still No Updates on Various Dallas Mavs Injuries; Kyrie Irving Close to Return?

The injury statuses of Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, Maxi Kleber, or Josh Green remain unclear ahead of the Dallas Mavs’ Christmas Day game against the Phoenix Suns.

DALLAS — Luka Doncic and Dante Exum will return to the Dallas Mavericks lineup for Saturday's matchup against the San Antonio Spurs after being sidelined to begin the back-to-back in the loss versus the Houston Rockets the day prior. However, the Mavs continue to play without Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, Josh Green, and Maxi Kleber. 

How close are any of the Mavs' important players from returning to the lineup? That unfortunately remains to be seen.

In his pre-game media availability before Saturday's matchup, Mavs coach Jason Kidd was asked whether he could share any updates on the extensive list of injured players who have missed several games due to their respective injuries. He replied frankly: "No." 

When asked if Irving will travel to Phoenix for the team's Christmas Day matchup against the Suns, Kidd replied: "Not that I know of. I can't answer that. I don't have an answer for that."

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Before Friday's loss against the Rockets, Kidd told reporters that timetables would not be provided for injured players. This approach varies from many teams in the NBA, as the Mavs will give an update for players only when they are set to return. 

"No. We'll let you know on the timetable so you guys don't have to ask," Kidd said before Friday's loss. "That's just one less question you have to ask. We'll say a timetable when guys are coming back. If we say they're out, they're out."

Kleber last played on Nov. 8 and has remained sidelined with a right dislocated small toe, meaning he's been sidelined for 45 days, or six weeks and three days. Kidd initially mentioned that Kleber would be re-evaluated in "a couple of weeks," but no update has been offered after attempting to play through the injury initially. 

"He tried to play on it, and it was still bothering him, so we're going to give him extended time to heal," Kidd said. "He will be re-evaluated in a couple of weeks."

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Green last played on Dec. 1 and has remained sidelined with a right elbow sprain. After a practice recently after the injury, Kidd mentioned he "didn't know" if the injury would require a long-term recovery. However, he said he expected more information to be available the following day, which unfortunately never came. 

"[Green] didn't practice and got treatment today, and I think we'll have more information tomorrow," Kidd said on Monday, Dec. 4.

Irving and Lively recently stopped wearing walking boots as they work closer to returning to action. Irving was also seen doing on-court work ahead of tonight’s game, which is another good sign. The Mavs are 10-4 when Doncic, Irving, and Lively all play but are 6-8 when at least one is sidelined.