Ahead of schedule: Exum return bolsters Mavs with play-in looming

In what is a significant boost to their campaign, the Dallas Mavericks have welcomed back guard Dante Exum ahead of schedule from a hand injury.

After an11-game absence due to a fractured left hand sustained on March 15 (Australian time) against the Houston Rockets, Exum suited up and was back on the bench forthe Mavericks’ recent game against the Los Angeles Lakers, however he did notsee any on-court action.

Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd suggested Exum would be slowly reintegrated into the lineup, highlighting that his long-term health will be crucial for Dallas’ postseason aspirations.

“It’d be very limited,” Kidd said about Exum’s expecting playing time against Los Angeles in Luka Dončić's return to Dallas. “I think, hopefully this is a sign of good things to come… to be able to come back a week early is good and is much needed for us if we want to have any success going forward.

Exum will serve as a timely addition, with the 28-year-old shooting the ball at 45% from beyond the arc this season, whilst also providing impact on the defensive end.

Exum has been listed questionable by the team for the Mavericks’ next fixture against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday, which will be followed by their regular-season finale at Memphis as the Mavericks vie for a home play-in berth.

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