Richard Dean
Mavericks Fans Face Preseason Opener Absences
The excitement of the NBA preseason is palpable, but Mavericks fans will have to temper their enthusiasm as key players remain sidelined. The Dallas Mavericks will kick off their preseason against the Memphis Grizzlies without several notable names, leaving fans eager to see how the team will perform under these circumstances.
Star Players Sit Out
Among the biggest absences is Klay Thompson, who recently joined the Mavericks. He will not play in Monday’s preseason opener as part of a planned rest. Also missing will be Kyrie Irving, who is opting for rest as well. These two star players are significant additions to the roster, and their absence raises questions about how the team will fare in their first game.
Luka Doncic, the team’s standout player, is also unable to participate. He is currently dealing with a left calf contusion, which is set to be reevaluated later this week. Another addition to the injury list is P.J. Washington, who is managing left hip tightness.
Despite these setbacks, the Mavericks still have a mix of available players ready to take the court. Here’s a rundown of who will be playing on Monday night:
- Spencer Dinwiddie
- Daniel Gafford
- Quentin Grimes
- Jaden Hardy
- A.J. Lawson
- Dereck Lively II
- Naji Marshall
- Dwight Powell
- Olivier-Maxence Prosper
- Markieff Morris
- Jamarion Sharp
- Emanuel Miller
- Jazian Gortman
The absence of key starters like Doncic, Irving, Thompson, and P.J. Washington significantly changes the dynamic of the team as they head into this preseason matchup.
Injury List Expands
The injury woes extend beyond the stars. Other notable absences from the lineup will include:
- Dante Exum (right wrist)
- Maxi Kleber (left ankle sprain)
- Brandon Williams (right calf strain)
- Kessler Edwards (left ankle sprain)
With these injuries, the Mavericks are facing a challenging start to their preseason as they look to build chemistry and cohesion before the regular season begins.
Fan Anticipation Stays Strong
At a recent Fan Jam event, fans showed their excitement for the upcoming season, repeatedly chanting “WE WANT KLAY!” in hopes of seeing Thompson on the court. Their enthusiasm demonstrates the high expectations surrounding the team this season, despite the current roster restrictions.
Both Doncic and Irving took to the sidelines during the Fan Jam, where they served as coaches of their practice squads. This move allows them to engage with fans while still resting from gameplay. The anticipation for both players to return is palpable, especially as they prepare the team for the upcoming season.
Next Steps for Thompson and the Team
Klay Thompson will potentially see his first action with the Mavericks during their next game against the Utah Jazz on Thursday at the American Airlines Center. This game is expected to attract a strong turnout from fans eager to see how the new lineup performs with Thompson in action.
As the Mavericks navigate these injuries and player absences, the coaching staff will need to strategize effectively to maintain momentum. The preseason is crucial for setting the tone for the regular season, and the Mavericks will be looking to find their rhythm quickly.
Conclusion
As the Mavericks prepare for their first preseason game, they face significant challenges with multiple key players unavailable. Fans remain hopeful for a successful season, eager to rally behind the team despite these early setbacks. With the anticipation for Thompson’s debut and the return of their star players, the Mavericks aim to overcome these obstacles and build a strong foundation for the coming season. Fans are encouraged to stay engaged and ready for what promises to be an exciting season ahead
