Dallas Mavericks: Dwight Powell (hamstring) out for regular season opener

Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell got in a limited practice on Oct. 21 but was ruled for the regular season opener. Here is the latest.

Dallas Mavericks big man Dwight Powell is expecting to take on a larger role this season. He is penciled in as the starting center next to Kristaps Porzingis. The Mavs love his rim rolling ability. Powell is also one of the most efficient scorers in the NBA.

Unfortunately, the 6’11 big man suffered a hamstring injury in practice on Oct. 5. It sidelined him for all five of the team’s preseason games. The Mavericks returned to practice on Monday. Here is Coach Carlisle with his post-practice update on Powell.

Tim MacMahon shared this news on Monday evening.

The Mavericks have to get Powell back to full practice before he is going to play in games. Being out for Wednesday’s home and season opener against the Washington Wizards is not the worst thing. The big man needs to be fully healthy to avoid a setback after returning.

Powell could play as early as Friday against the Pelicans. He should be considered doubtful for that game as of this writing.

Powell may miss the first week or two of the regular season. The good news here is he appears to be trending in the right direction. Getting in a limited practice is progress. Powell needs to keep making it before we can put a more definitive timetable on his return to game action.

Who steps up?

The Mavs are going to miss having him in the lineup. They lack frontcourt depth this season. Maxi Kleber will likely draw the start at center on opening night. Coach Carlisle could continue playing the matchup with the starting unit as he did this preseason. Kleber and Boban Marjanovic will see more playing time with Powell sidelined.

The Dallas Mavericks need Dwight Powell back healthy as soon as possible. He adds elements to the team on both ends of the floor. Dallas faces their first difficult stretch against Western Conference foes starting Sunday. They battle three projected playoff teams in a row. Having Powell would be a massive advantage.

Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for the latest on Dwight Powell injury plus unmatched analysis on the 2019-2020 Dallas Mavericks.