Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber Set to Return for Mavericks' Season Opener vs. Spurs
Luka Dončić ready for Mavs' opener after preseason injury; "big motivation to win" following last season's Finals loss. Mavericks to face Spurs Oct. 24 with new lineup additions.
DALLAS — After being sidelined for the entire preseason, the Dallas Mavericks are expected to have Luka Dončić and Maxi Kleber available for their regular-season opener against the San Antonio Spurs on Oct. 24.
Following Saturday’s practice, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd mentioned that the only player likely to be sidelined against the Spurs is Danté Exum, who recently underwent wrist surgery. Dončić and Kleber have already participated fully in multiple practices.
“Our health is trending up,” Kidd said. “The only player likely to be out on opening night is Danté Exum, and maybe Kessler [Edwards], but the 15 guys who are ready all look good and are heading in the right direction.”
Dončić suffered a left calf contusion early in training camp, which has limited the Mavericks’ opportunities to build on-court chemistry with Klay Thompson and other newcomers while having their main scorer and playmaker. The team intends to take full advantage of having five practice days with Dončić before the season opener.
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