Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd gives haunting Luka Doncic injury update

Noah Weber

Dallas Mavericks v Atlanta Hawks / Kevin C. Cox/GettyImages

The Dallas Mavericks tip off their final game of the preseason against the Detroit Pistons on October 20, and head coach Jason Kidd held a media availability before the game just as he always does.

Dallas' first regular season game is on October 25, and Kidd said that they are prioritizing health heading into this game.

One of Dallas' precautionary measures to prevent Luka Doncic from getting more injured than he already is is obviously sitting him tonight.

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd gives haunting Luka Doncic injury update

He is nursing a calf strain, and Kidd already reported earlier in the week that Doncic would be out Friday. What Kidd said after he mentioned that Doncic would be out is the concerning part though.

Kidd said that Doncic doesn't have a timetable for return.

After having initial flurries that Dallas was "optimistic" that Doncic could return for opening night, it doesn't seem that is the way things are trending as opening night is quickly approaching.

Having Doncic out to start the regular season is not ideal, and his calf injury could be more severe than expected.

The Mavs are entering a crucial season, as they re-signed Kyrie Irving this summer, and are entering the season with immense pressure. Dallas missed the playoffs last season, and they need to contend this season in order to keep Doncic happy.

There were rumors at the end of the season that Doncic could request a trade if Dallas doesn't considerably improve. Although Doncic later shut down these rumors, things could get rocky if Dallas misses the playoffs again.

Can Jason Kidd and Luka Doncic lead Dallas back to the playoffs? Will Luka be ready for the season opener or will his calf injury keep him out for extended time heading into the regular season?

Kidd will have his hands full in Dallas' first game as they'll head to San Antonio to battle the No. 1 overall pick phenom, Victor Wembanyama.

Noah Weber

Noah Weber is the Site Expert for The Smoking Cuban, covering the Dallas Mavericks as a credentialed media member since the 2022-23 season. With a Bachelor of Science in Sports Media from Oklahoma State University, Noah has worked in sports journalism since 2019. While he's covered the Dallas Cowboys and Oklahoma State Cowboys, he has now established himself as a go-to voice for Mavericks coverage. Noah's expertise includes in-depth game analysis, social media content creation, and offering unique perspectives through his reporting. His work has been featured on major platforms such as ESPN, Bleacher Report, and Overtime. During his time at Oklahoma State, Noah won first place in the Oklahoma Broadcast Education Association Awards for a show he co-produced. Outside of covering the Mavs, Noah enjoys working out, playing basketball and Spikeball, and spending quality time with friends and family.