Mavericks' depth running dangerously thin after being blindsided by latest injury

What happened?

The Dallas Mavericks have been dealt a major blow with the news that Maxi Kleber will miss the rest of the season with a torn right hamstring.

Kleber, who has been one of the Mavericks' most consistent players this season, averaging 10.1 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, suffered the injury in the third quarter of Friday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Mavericks are already without Kristaps Porzingis, who is out with a knee injury, and the loss of Kleber leaves them dangerously thin in the frontcourt.

What does this mean for the Mavericks?

The loss of Kleber is a major blow to the Mavericks' hopes of making a deep playoff run.

Kleber is one of the Mavericks' best defenders, and his absence will make it more difficult for them to guard opposing teams' big men.

The Mavericks will also miss Kleber's shooting, as he is one of their most efficient three-point shooters.

Who will step up for the Mavericks?

With Kleber out, the Mavericks will need other players to step up.

Dwight Powell is the most likely candidate to fill Kleber's spot in the starting lineup, but he is a different player than Kleber and does not provide the same level of defense or shooting.

The Mavericks will also need more production from their bench, particularly from Dorian Finney-Smith and Josh Green.

What are the Mavericks' chances of making a deep playoff run?

The loss of Kleber makes the Mavericks' chances of making a deep playoff run much more difficult.

The Mavericks are still a talented team, but they are now much more vulnerable to being exploited by teams with size and shooting.

The Mavericks will need to find a way to adjust to Kleber's absence if they want to make a deep playoff run.