Dallas Mavericks: Numerous Injuries Could Be A Limitation Early On

Dallas Mavericks media day is over with and we learned a lot of new information on some injuries that could cause players to miss time early in the season. Though the Mavs will enter 2015-16 with an average roster, they might be a little more depleted than we thought.

Injury updates on Deron Williams, Wesley Matthews, Chandler Parsons and JaVale McGee were made known Monday, meaning Dirk Nowitzki could be the only healthy starter on the team to start camp, depending on what the Mavs plans are at the center position.

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Deron Williams has a calf strain that will most likely cause him to be limited for the beginning of training camp. Though he has struggled with injury for the past few seasons, the news came as a bit of a surprise. However, it is a minor injury and with a little healing time, he should be ready to go for opening night against the Phoenix Suns.

Wesley Matthews ruptured his Achilles against the Mavs last season before signing a max contract with them this summer. It was understood that he would miss some time, even though he still swears he’ll be ready for opening night. His situation may have gotten a little bit worse though.

Rick Carlisle ruled him out for the season opener, as expected, but also added that he might not make his season debut until December, which could severely limit the Mavs defensive production. They would most likely use John Jenkins or rookie Justin Anderson in his spot as well as Devin Harris.

Chandler Parsons suffered a knee injury against the Rockets last season and Tim MacMahon of ESPN recently reported that he underwent a “minor hybrid” micro fracture surgery on that knee last May. Though everything turned out all right, he is still a question mark for opening night.

The team seems optimistic that he will be able to play but it all depends on how fast he can get ready and how he looks in training camp.

JaVale McGee, who was signed back in August, is the last player who is questionable for opening night. The team is easing him into things and still trying to get him back in his top physical form to participate in camp. His last game was on March 1st so he has had some time off.

The Mavs already have a tough enough schedule by starting the season off with three straight road games (Suns, Clippers, Lakers) but with key injuries and players being limited, it could set up for an ugly start.

Luckily, they do have a rather deep team at the shooting guard position, as mentioned above, and with two more starting-caliber centers, they won’t have to worry about being short there. Also, Salah Mejri from Real Madrid is another interesting Mavs signing that could get some court time early on.

Overall, the Mavs will be facing a rather difficult start to the season but they will have a plenty of time to turn things around and get the whole team together to form some chemistry. It all takes time and that’s what the Mavs are banking on this year.

Next: Bold Predictions For The Mavs In 2015-16

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