The Dallas Mavericks will enter Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals with some question marks. They do hold a 3-0 lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves, but Luka Doncic, Dereck Lively II, and Maxi Kleber are among the Mavs players listed on the injury report. While news isn't great on the Lively front, Kleber has been cleared to return from a shoulder injury, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium. Marc Stein reported earlier Tuesday that Kleber was “on course” to return as long as there wasn't a setback.

Monday, Kleber was upgraded to questionable on the NBA injury report. He suffered a shoulder separation against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first-round of the NBA playoffs. Kleber has not played since, but now he's on track to play in a potential series-clinching Game 4.

This is a nice boost for Dallas given Lively is expected to miss the game, per Chris Haynes of TNT and Bleacher Report. The Mavs center suffered a neck strain after a frightening injury scare in Game 3. It seems he avoided a serious injury, but the Mavericks will proceed with caution.

Doncic is currently listed as questionable with a right knee sprain and left ankle soreness. He was also questionable for Game 3 but was ultimately made available ahead of tip-off. Some people around the NBA world have claimed that Dallas should rest Doncic given their 3-0 lead. However, the Mavs want to win on Tuesday and avoid a possible Game 5.

Unless Doncic's injuries keep him out, he will likely play. The odds of Luka sitting purely for rest-related reasons are slim, but anything is possible.

Olivier-Maxence Prosper has been ruled out with a left ankle sprain.

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How Maxi Kleber will help Mavericks in Game 4

Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) celebrates against the LA Clippers in the first half during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Maxi Kleber's ability to stretch the floor as a forward is crucial. He was shooting the ball well before suffering his injury. He was shooting 52.4 percent from the field and 55.6 percent from deep against the Clippers.

Having him return on Tuesday will benefit the Mavs without question, especially with Lively expected to miss the game. Kleber will likely back up Daniel Gafford at the center spot. The hope is that both Lively and Kleber will be ready for the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. Having as much depth as possible will be crucial to bringing down that Celtics juggernaut.

Of course, Dallas still needs to defeat the Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals. Minnesota is not going to go down without a fight. Game 4 will likely be competitive. Although the Mavs are on the verge of a sweep, each game has been exciting. Minnesota has challenged Dallas, but the Mavs' ability to close games has given them an advantage in the series.

Doncic's final injury status will also go a long way towards determining the outcome of Tuesday's contest. Luka has stepped up in the series and performed at an elite level under the bright lights.