Dallas Mavericks: Harrison Barnes out at least two more games

Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes is going to miss at least two games with his hamstring injury including the Oct. 22 contest against the Bulls.

Dallas Mavericks fans got some bad news at shootaround on Monday morning.  Harrison Barnes has missed all five preseason games and the first two regular-season contests with a hamstring injury.  Fans were hoping his return was imminent, but that may not be the case.

Barnes talked about wanting to play in both the regular season and home openers giving fans a glimmer of hope that he would play on Monday.  He also practiced two straight days on Oct. 19 and 20.

Here is what Coach Carlisle had to say after the Mavs workout this morning courtesy of Dwain Price.

That means both Barnes and veteran guard Devin Harris will miss Monday’s game against the Chicago Bulls and Wednesday’s contest against the Atlanta Hawks.

Barnes could return on Friday in Toronto versus the Raptors.  That would be an important matchup in his first game against perennial All-Star Kawhi Leonard.

Mavericks need him back

Harrison Barnes is one of the Dallas Mavericks best defenders, and they need him back.  The Mavs have allowed 121 and 136 points in their first two games.  Barnes can defend one through four.  He also gives Dallas another veteran to help the young players on the defensive end.

Barnes also led the Mavericks in scoring the last two years.  He is a guy who can create his own shot.

Barnes immediately takes minutes away from Dorian Finney-Smith, the one Mavs starter who failed to score in double-figures against the Wolves.  DFS has taken seven shots in both games, and he is hesitant to attempt his open looks.  Barnes will not pass up those opportunities and immediately makes the Mavs offense more dangerous.

Final thoughts

Dallas Mavericks starting forward Harrison Barnes is out at least two more games with his bothersome hamstring.  Barnes is going to miss the contests on Monday and Wednesday but could return on Friday against the Toronto Raptors.  HB playing in that game is no guarantee, though.  Stay tuned for injury updates as they become available.

The Mavericks are still favored over the Bulls this evening.  Chicago is winless in two games, but starting point guard Kris Dunn is playing for the first time tonight.  Dallas will need big nights from Luka Doncic, DeAndre Jordan, and Dennis Smith Jr. to secure the home victory in what should be an exciting contest.

The Smoking Cuban will have fans covered with everything they need to know for the remainder of the season, so please stay tuned.