Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum (wrist) won't be ready for the season opener and is expected to miss a significant amount of time. Exum will require right wrist surgery that is going to sideline him for at least three months. The loss of Exum is certainly a hit to this Mavs bench heading into the regular season. Last year, Exum averaged 7.8 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in 19.8 minutes per game across 55 games with Dallas. The 29-year-old put up his best numbers in years and finally looked like he found his groove in Dallas. Now, Spencer Dinwiddie and Jaden Hardy will likely be asked to pick up the slack with Exum sidelined to begin the season. Between the two, Dinwiddie figures to be the more attractive fantasy option.

Dallas Mavericks power forward P.J. Washington did not play in Monday's preseason game versus Memphis due to left hip tightness. It doesn't sound like a serious issue for Washington, but this might not end up being the only game he sits out, as the Mavericks won't want to take any risks ahead of the regular season. The team is already dealing with several injuries. Washington proved to be a great mid-season pickup for the Mavericks last term and should enjoy another fine campaign in Dallas. He averaged 11.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals after moving from Charlotte to Texas. There should also be room for improvement for the 26-year-old, as Washington's shooting numbers dipped a bit on his new team.

Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum (hand) could end up missing an extended period of time. Exum suffered a severe right wrist injury that could require surgery. The Mavs are evaluating treatment options, but it seems likely that Exum is going to miss the beginning of the regular season. Exum figured to serve as a depth option behind Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic on the perimeter. Now, Spencer Dinwiddie, Quentin Grimes, and Jaden Hardy will likely absorb more playing time. The Mavs should give a timetable on Exum once they decide whether or not he'll have surgery.

Dallas Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic (calf) is expected to be ready for the start of the season. Dallas ruled him out for at least a week with a left calf contusion on Wednesday. However, sources have told ESPN's Tim MacMahon that there is "no concern" about Doncic being ready for opening night. Dallas begins the campaign on Oct. 24 versus San Antonio. Doncic is coming off a hugely successful season and is poised to continue dominating in 2024-25. However, he's yet to play more than 72 games in an NBA season, so it's likely fantasy managers will have to do without him for a stretch at some point.

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (calf) will be sidelined for at least one week after sustaining a left calf contusion during a team workout, the Dallas Mavericks announced on Wednesday. The injury, however, is not expected to impact his readiness for the start of the upcoming NBA season. Doncic will be re-evaluated in a week, with the Mavericks' preseason opener against the Memphis Grizzlies set for October 7. During the 2023-2024 season, Doncic was a standout performer, averaging 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 9.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He also earned a spot on the All-NBA First Team and played a pivotal role in leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals.