J.J. Barea Injury: Updates on Mavericks Guard's Groin and Return

The Dallas Mavericks pulled point guard J.J. Barea from an April 8 game against the Memphis Grizzlies after he suffered a strained right groin, and missed an additional game. However, he is ready to return. 

Continue for updates.

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Barea Active vs. Jazz

Monday, April 11

Barea was in the starting lineup Monday against Utah, per Earl K. Sneed of the Mavs' official website.

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Barea Has Been Dependable Veteran for Mavericks

In his 10 seasons in the NBA, the 31-year-old has made his living by providing valuable backcourt minutes off the bench.

Primarily backing up Deron Williams, Barea has averaged 11 points and 4.1 assists per game as he's become a vital asset in Dallas' offense, especially since the loss of Chandler Parsons—who had surgery on his knee March 25—and Raymond Felton (groin) forced Barea into the starting lineup.

In Parsons' absence, the Mavericks were expected to see a dip in their offense, as they lost a player who was averaging almost 14 points per game, but Barea stepped up in a big way. 

Since Parsons' surgery, Barea has averaged 22.3 points per game and picked up Western Conference Player of the Week honors in the process. 

Stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com.