The Dallas Mavericks are kicking off their home opener tonight at the American Airlines Center with a 1-1 record, but it is their injury report that is the real headline for this game against the 0-2 San Antonio Spurs. This isn’t just a couple of guys banged up, folks; this roster is reeling as they face a Spurs team looking to bounce back.
Dallas is Banged Up, Big Time
If you followed the Mavs last season, you’re probably getting a serious case of déjà vu with this injury list. Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg is likely out for at least the next four games, including this one, after suffering an AC joint sprain. He got fouled from behind on Friday night, and now he is sidelined. Then there is Kyrie Irving, who is also missing this one, reportedly for planned rest as he continues his return from that nasty 2024 ACL tear. And if that wasn’t enough, Santi Aldama and Dereck Lively are out too. You probably could have guessed Aldama would be on the bench, right? Add Caleb Martin and Tarik Biberovic to the unavailable list, and head coach Dusty May is staring down a seriously short bench for the home opener. It’s rough, plain and simple.
Spurs Look for Redemption, Mavs Look for a Spark
This game is the second night of a back-to-back for both squads. The Mavericks are coming into Dallas after putting a serious thump on the Indiana Pacers last night. The Spurs, though? They just took a “painful loss” to the Houston Rockets, described as “embarrassing fashion.” You know what that means: Victor Wembanyama is probably about to go off. Seriously, expect him to explode. The good news for Mavs fans, if you can find any silver lining in this injury mess, is that a short bench means we are going to get a long, hard look at the newer faces. Guys like Marcus Sasser, Sergio De Larrea, and Morez Johnson should see extended minutes. It’s an opportunity, even if it comes from unfortunate circumstances.
This one might get ugly with how thin the Mavs’ bench is, but don’t let it get you down! Who knows, maybe Dallas will surprise us tonight in front of their home crowd. Be sure to check out Pod Maverick live on YouTube after the game for all the breakdown and discussion!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mavs Moneyball.
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