Dallas Mavericks: Preseason Injury Update
By Cole Mentzel
The Dallas Mavericks have been hit with the injury bug early on in the preseason. Some were already injured coming in and some just recently got hurt, but these injuries are a problem for the team right now.
At the moment, Chandler Parsons, Wesley Matthews, Deron Williams, JaVale McGee, Raymond Felton and Dwight Powell are all battling through injury, some major and some minor. It is still early, but none of these players have been able to play together yet, meaning that the team will need time to form some chemistry once the season starts.
Chandler Parsons had to have major knee surgery during the offseason after getting injured in a game against the Rockets last year. His goal was always to get back on the court for the first game of the regular season against the Phoenix Suns, but he still has not started contact drills with less than two weeks remaining.
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Though he hasn’t been ruled out for the opener yet, it is highly unlikely that he will be able to get ready before then.
Wesley Matthews tore his Achilles last season in a game against the Mavs. He recently scrimmaged for the first time as a Mav and still says that he will not miss a regular season game, although some in the Mavs organization might think otherwise. His work ethic and heart is great but the Mavs have to make sure he isn’t rushed back.
Deron Williams suffered through minor injuries last season and currently has a calf injury that he has been dealing with for the past few weeks. He is another player that is expected to be ready to go for opening night, but it is a little scary seeing him go through injuries this early in his career with the Mavs.
JaVale McGee has been an ongoing project for the Mavs. After being cut by the 76ers last season, he had a long stretch with no playing time in the NBA. The Mavs signed him knowing that he wouldn’t be ready right away and he has been dealing with a foot injury early on in training camp and in the preseason.
He could be back soon though, which is a good sign for the Mavs who will need all the help they can get at the center position this season.
Rick Carlisle says JaVale McGee (left leg) is "getting close to going live," and he expects the big man to increase his activity soon.
— Earl K. Sneed (@EarlKSneed) October 16, 2015
Raymond Felton is the most recent Mavs player to get hurt as he is battling a left hamstring strain. He sat out Friday against the Hawks but should be available for Monday’s game against the Cavs.
Dwight Powell has been out for most of the preseason with an elbow injury. He is expected to be back Monday as well and will need some time to get ready since he should have extended playing time this season.
Overall, the Mavs are hurting right now but the bright side of things is that is seems as if Chandler Parsons is the only player that could miss regular season games. Wesley Matthews probably shouldn’t play as early as the 28th, but from his tone in interviews, I just can’t imagine him actually missing a game.
There will still be plenty of work to be done early on in the season but as for right now, the Mavs need to continue developing their younger talent, because they most likely won’t see the bulk of their team until the season actually starts.