Dallas Mavericks: Jalen Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith miss practice

Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson and forward Dorian Finney-Smith missed practice on Oct. 12. See more about their injuries, and what it could mean going forward.

The Dallas Mavericks had three preseason games in four nights to kick off their year. It was not the ideal schedule. Coach Carlisle was forced to rest Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis in their first game because of the back-to-back. It was a difficult stretch against three teams that made the playoffs last season too.

The Mavs may have come out a bit worse for the wear. They had two new injuries pop up on their report. Here is Dwain Price with the latest.

Coach Carlisle downplayed both injuries. Fans can read quotes in Price’s Mavs.com story. Let us take a closer look at each.

Brunson’s is a bit worrying

Carlisle mentioned it was the second time this sore hamstring popped up for Brunson. That type of injury is always a bit concerning. Hamstring ailments have a high rate of reoccurrence. The Mavs do not have long before the regular season gets underway. Brunson is listed as day-to-day. It is something to monitor going forward.

Could the injury explain Brunson’s playing time in Friday’s game against the Bucks? He did not enter the game until 3:05 left in the third quarter. Brunson had an outstanding 12 minutes of action. He produced 12 points, two rebounds, and four assists while hitting five of his seven field goal attempts.

J.J. Barea ran the point for the second unit with Seth Curry flanking him in the first half. It is only preseason, but it was odd that Brunson did not enter until late in the game.

Doe-Doe playing important role

Dorian Finney-Smith drew his first second of the preseason against the Bucks. He has been tasked with guarding Danilo Gallinari, Blake Griffin, and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the three games so far. That is not exactly easy work for Finney-Smith.

His injury seems minor, but keep monitoring it. Finney-Smith should be ready on opening night barring a setback.

Dallas Mavericks fans should return to The Smoking Cuban for injury updates and analysis on their favorite organization all season long.