4 Studs, 2 duds from Mavericks' narrow preseason loss to Grizzlies

4. Dud - Injuries and rest

Winning preseason games means absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of things, and injuries and rest caused Mavs fans to miss out on seeing four of their five likely starters take the floor on Monday night.

P.J. Washington, Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson all missed the game against the Grizzlies, and Thompson and Irving could be making their preseason debut on Thursday as Jason Kidd revealed they'll likely play the final three preseason games to ramp up for the regular season.

Thompson and Washington both still warmed up before the game, and Kidd said there isn't any concern with Washington's reported hip tightness.

Resting Irving and Thompson was easily the right call by Kidd considering that these games mean nothing and he feels good about how Thompson is coming along with his new team, but it doesn't make things any easier on fans who can't wait to see him play.

Fans must remain patient with seeing Thompson take the floor for the first time, and Thursday night may be that day if he does indeed play the final three preseason games.

Doncic missing the game against Memphis was expected as he is working through a calf contusion, and the main focus for the Mavs should be getting him healthy before the regular season begins. Injuries significantly hindered Doncic's performances in the playoffs, and they can't afford to start a season with him not being fully healthy.

Getting out of this game fully healthy was something Kidd stressed before the game, and that's exactly what they did.