Rumors: Mavericks are 'optimistic' that star guard will play in season opener

The Dallas Mavericks' preseason is almost over, as they will wrap up preseason play on October 20 against the Detroit Pistons.

Dallas began their preseason with three games overseas (two in Abu Dhabi and one in Madrid) against the Minnesota Timberwolves and Real Madrid.

All three games ended up as losses for the Mavs, but they weren't at full strength for most of the preseason.

Rumors: Mavericks are 'optimistic' that star guard will play in season opener

The Mavs were without star guard Kyrie Irving for the final two games overseas against the Timberwolves and Real Madrid due to groin soreness, and Luka Doncic played in every game but was limited to just five minutes in the Real Madrid game due to a calf injury.

Doncic received an MRI once the team returned to Dallas, and it indicated a mild calf strain to his left calf. Luka has been plagued with injuries to his left leg since the middle of last season, and this isn't the best sign for Doncic moving forward.

Although this injury is considered mild, and he should be able to return soon, an early injury to Doncic isn't great. He has already been ruled out for Dallas' preseason finale against the Pistons, but he could be back for the season opener on October 25 against the San Antonio Spurs.

According to Marc Stein, the Mavericks are "optimistic he'll (Luka Doncic) return for the Oct. 25 season opener." Now that Irving is practicing fully, the last thing that Dallas needs before the regular season is to get Doncic healthy.

Doncic didn't practice on Monday, but he worked on some spot shooting and biked on the elliptical bike. It would be a big blow to start the season without Doncic, and only time will tell if Dallas' optimism turns into a reality with Luka returning for the season opener.

We'll have you covered with all the latest news and rumors on Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks this season, so stay tuned.