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Mavs' Josh Green to Miss 'Next Couple Weeks': Who is Next Man Up?

Originally posted on FanNation Dallas Basketball
By Grant Afseth | Last updated 12/5/23

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks will not only play Wednesday's game without Josh Green available but will be doing so for at least the next few weeks. He's currently dealing with a right elbow sprain that he suffered

During an appearance on Bally Sports' "The Rally,' on Tuesday, NBA insider Sham Charania revealed Green will be sidelined due to his elbow injury for "the next couple of weeks."

" He has a sprain in his right elbow," Charania said. "I'm told he will be sidelined for at least the next couple of weeks."

Charania's report clarifies Green's current injury status after the Mavs did not provide further information to reporters after Tuesday's practice. Green was already ruled out for Wednesday's matchup against the Utah Jazz, but now specifics were mentioned about a potential recovery timetable.

After Monday's practice, Mavs coach Jason Kidd stated he "didn't know" whether Green's injury would require a long-term recovery. The NBA Hall of Fame player turned head coach said that more information would be provided on Tuesday, but the latest development surfaced from Charania instead of the team.

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

Last season, Green suffered a right elbow sprain against the Milwaukee Bucks on Dec. 9 last year, the same injury designation as what he's dealing with currently. It caused him to be sidelined until Jan. 18, when he returned to the lineup against the Atlanta Hawks, a timeline of 40 days between the day of the injury and his return.

Green was considered a potential breakout candidate for the Mavs as he entered not only his fourth NBA season but his third, receiving consistent rotation minutes coming off a career-best season in 2022-23. He's averaged 6.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 18 games this season

In Green's place, the Mavs can lean more heavily on Tim Hardaway Jr. on the wing, along with Olivier-Maxence Prosper and A.J. Lawson. The team is still dealing with Maxi Kleber, who has primarily slotted in at the four during his limited sample size, being sidelined with a right small toe dislocation.

The Mavs still have Kyrie Irving (foot soreness), Grant Williams (knee soreness), and Hardaway (back spasms) as questionable to play on Wednesday when they return to action against the Jazz.