Luka Doncic expected to miss at least 1st Mavericks preseason game

The Dallas Mavericks want to be cautious with superstar Luka Doncic after he played a ton of basketball with the Slovenian National Team this summer. The 23-year-old took part in four World Cup qualifiers, seven games at EuroBasket, and a handful of exhibitions. Slovenia made a shocking exit in the quarterfinals of EuroBasket as Poland pulled the upset of the tournament. Still, Doncic played a lot of games and was in action until just over a week before training camp began.

Doncic said he was “feeling good”, but he had to meet with head coach Jason Kidd and Mavs director of player health and performance Casey Smith to devise a plan for his workload during camp. Kidd said Luka would start out light as they look to have him at 100 percent heading into their opening night on Oct. 19.

The Mavericks had their first day of practice on Tuesday, and coach Kidd gave fans more information about what to expect from number 77 during the preseason.

Luka Doncic expected to miss at least 1st Mavericks preseason game

Doncic did minimal work on the first day of camp, and coach Kidd made it clear that the 23-year-old superstar would not play in at least the preseason opener. Dallas opens the preseason on Oct. 5 against the Thunder. They only have three preseason contests this year, and just one at home. The Mavs could sit number 77 for all three contests as they look to maximize his health for their regular season opener against the Suns.

The team’s plans will become clear as training camp moves along, but MFFLs should not expect to see Luka Doncic in action in the preseason opener. The 23-year-old superstar will want to play in the Mavs' only home preseason game, but it sounds like the team would prefer he rests. Stay tuned for a firm determination as Oct.7 draws closer.

There should be zero worries about Doncic playing in regular-season games. The Dallas Mavericks are just holding him out for rest purposes, and he will be ready when the games start counting. Fans won’t want to miss the season opener as LD and the Mavs plan on putting on a show in Phoenix as they look to build towards another deep playoff run.