Dallas Mavs LISTEN: Luka Doncic & Kyrie Irving Injuries Cause for Concern?
The Dallas Mavericks have several questions to answer, and one of those questions is whether or not they can stay healthy for the duration of the upcoming 82-game season. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving each had to battle through nagging injures at the end of last season, which contributed to the Mavs ultimately missing the postseason. Now, with opening night just eight days away, injury concerns have popped up again.
Doncic recently had an MRI that revealed a left calf strain, the same injury he had at the end of the 2021-22 regular season that caused him to miss the first three games of the Mavs' first-round playoff series against the Utah Jazz. Doncic has also dealt with a left thigh injury dating back to the end of last season, and also as recently as this past summer at the FIBA World Cup. Although Dallas' superstar claims that his calf strain "nothing serious," it's certainly something we'll be keeping an eye on throughout the season.
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd draws up a play in the huddle.
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Irving has dealt with groin soreness, which has caused him to miss the last two preseason games, but all signs point to the Mavs just being extra cautious there. Irving was a full participant in practice on Monday, so the expectation is that he'll be ready to roll once the Mavs open the season against Victor Wembanyama's San Antonio Spurs on Oct. 25.
On the latest episode of the Mavs Step Back Podcast, my DallasBasketball.com colleague Grant Afseth joins me to discuss these recent Mavs injury developments, as well as his film breakdown on rookie big man Dereck Lively II's chances of being a difference-maker as Dallas' defensive anchor despite just being 19 years old.
You can watch and listen to today’s full episode below. As always, thanks for tuning in, and be sure to hit that subscribe button on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere else you get your podcasts!
