Devastating blow for Dante Exum, out indefinitely

• Exum potential out for the reason of the season with a broken hand
• He has played just 18 games this season after returning from injury
• Exum was averaging just under 10 points per game

Australian Boomers and Mavericks guard Dante Exum broke bone in his left hand and is out indefinitely in Dallas' crushing 133-96 road loss to the Houston Rockets on Saturday, March 15, 2025.

Exum, 29, has played just 18 games this season after the surgery he had on a wrist injury during the Mavs' training camp last year. He played just seven minutes before going back to the locker room.

"This has been a tough season for him," Dallas coach Jason Kidd said.

"I feel bad for him because he worked extremely hard to get back. Now, for this to take place, it's unfortunate."

The 33-35 Mavs tipped off against the Rockets with just nine available players. If they lose another player, they face the unprecedented need to forfeit because they don't have enough players.

Potential Australian Boomers guard Kyrie Irving (knee) and forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper (wrist) are out for the season, while the returns of Anthony Davis (adductor), centre Dereck Lively II (ankle) and centre Daniel Gafford (knee) are still questionable.

Dallas' season has gone from bad to worse since the stunning, blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for NBA champion Anthony Davis.

Exum had been getting more touches and minutes without Doncic on the floor and had just come off a 17-points, three assists and three rebound performance against in-State rivals San Antonio Spurs.