Luka Doncic & Kyrie Irving's preseason debut status revealed by Mavericks coach Jason Kidd ahead of Grizzlies matchup
The Dallas Mavericks are ready to take on the Memphis Grizzlies for their preseason debut on Monday without Luka Doncic. Unfortunately, the stars won't be in action tonight, as coach Jason Kidd gave an update on the status of the team's Big 3 ahead of their bout against the Grizzlies.
According to Kidd, Doncic will sit out the first preseason game of the year as the Slovenian star is dealing with a left calf contusion. All-Star guard Kyrie Irving will also sit out the first game as he's listed on rest. The new star for the team, Klay Thompson, is also listed on rest.
Aside from the stars, other players also won't see any action tonight. PJ Washington Jr. is out dealing with left hip tightness. Maxi Kleber (left ankle sprain) and Dante Exum (right wrist) won't be available due to injuries. Brandon Williams (right calf strain) and Kessler Edwards (left ankle sprain) will also watch the game on the sidelines.
Grant Asfeth reported that Kidd said both Irving and Thompson will likely play the remaining three preseason games for the Mavs.
On Thursday, the Mavs will play against the Utah Jazz. They'll pick things up against the LA Clippers on Oct. 14. Their final preseason game will be on Oct. 17 against the Milwaukee Bucks. Their regular season will start on Oct. 24 against the San Antonio Spurs.
Also read: Is Luka Doncic playing vs Memphis Grizzlies? Exploring 5x All-Star's status for Dallas' preseason opener (Oct. 7)
Luka Doncic set to miss a week due to injury
The Mavs are taking things carefully with Luka Doncic. Their star guard will reportedly miss a week because of his calf contusion, which could mean that he might miss the entire preseason. All of this is to keep the star healthy for the 82-game season, which is more important.
Dallas shared that it has no concern with Doncic's availability in its season-opener against the Spurs. The five-time All-Star sustained the injury during the team's practice in training camp.
"The Dallas Mavericks announced today that Mavericks guard Luka Doncic sustained a hit during workouts this week resulting in a left calf contusion. Doncic will be re-evaluated as necessary in one week," the Mavs shared.
Doncic has been an integral part of the Mavs' success throughout the years. Last season, he led the team back to the NBA Finals for the first time since the 2010-11 campaign. With the help of Irving, Dallas beat their competition in the Western Conference and faced the Boston Celtics.
However, they came up short and are looking to return to the Finals and finish the job. With that goal, the Mavs need Doncic to be 100% healthy.