Mavericks open the 2024-25 season vs. Spurs with Luka Dončić returning from injury. Get the latest updates on injury news and key players.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks have released their injury report ahead of their season opener against the San Antonio Spurs before Thursday’s matchup.
Exum Out Indefinitely After Wrist Surgery
Danté Exum remains sidelined following right wrist surgery during training camp. Exum has been ruled out indefinitely, leaving the Mavericks to lean on their backcourt depth to fill the gap in the rotation.
Jaden Hardy or Spencer Dinwiddie could see increased playing time. Still, the Mavericks’ plan seems to continue staggering Kyrie Irving’s minutes with Luka Dončić so Irving can help run the bench unit with Quentin Grimes and Naji Marshall on the wing, which still leaves limited backcourt minutes.
Edwards, Williams Assigned to G League
The team has also confirmed that Kessler Edwards and Brandon Williams, both on two-way contracts, are ruled out for Thursday’s game. The two players will be on a G League assignment with the Texas Legends. However, Jazian Gortman was not included in the injury report, meaning he will be with the Mavericks.
Kidd Optimistic About Team Health
Despite Exum’s absence, the Mavericks will start the season in relatively good health, which was not the case when several players were dealing with various injuries a few weeks ago. Head coach Jason Kidd expressed optimism, saying the team is in a strong position as the season begins.
“Everybody feels great. Everybody’s excited for this marathon, and we have the opportunity to get started tomorrow,” Kidd said. “To be 95 percent healthy to start the marathon is positive to where we were a couple weeks ago. It seemed like everybody was out.”
Luka Dončić Ready for Return
Dončić, who missed all four preseason games due to a left calf contusion, is set to make his return for the opener. After fully participating in recent practices, Dončić is ready to compete and feels no lingering effects from the injury.
“It [didn’t] hurt a lot, but you got to get it healed,” Dončić said earlier this week. “It’s fine now. It’s perfect. I’m practicing everything.”
Despite missing preseason games, Dončić is eager to play alongside new teammate Klay Thompson and build chemistry with the Mavericks’ retooled roster.
“Games are always different than practices, so we’ll see on Thursday,” Dončić said. “I’m sure there’s going to be excitement.”
Up Next
The Mavericks will host the Spurs at the American Airlines Center on Thursday. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CST.
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