“ I will only play cards that I have been dealt and are allowed to be played. » Thus expresses Jason Kidd on the subject of the physical problems affecting several of his executives within the Mavs.
“ We have to prepare. Luke (Doncic), Maxi (Kleber), PJ (Washington) and all those who are injured: there are many who may not play on opening night “, warns the Texan technicianwhose start of the regular season is scheduled for October 24 with the reception of the Spurs.
His Slovenian playmaker missed the first two games of the preseason due to a left calf contusion suffered shortly before the team's training camp in Las Vegas. Luka Doncic will miss Monday's game against the Clippers, but it is possible that he will be there for the final meeting against the Bucks.
Jason Kidd sees this confrontation with Milwaukee as a “ dress rehearsal » for the regular season, since Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson and the rest of the Mavs should play the minutes that are usually allocated to them.
Another question concerns PJ Washington, on the sidelines due to left hip pain, but present like Luka Doncic during training on Friday. An important element of the Texan “run” in the Finals, he is expected to start alongside the Doncic – Irving – Thompson trio, as well as Derek Lively II or Daniel Gafford.
Luka Doncic already embarrassed last year
The Mavs also have to deal with Maxi Kleber, who is suffering from a sprained left ankle. The most serious injury was to Dante Exum, who underwent surgery to repair a problem in his right wrist. His absence gives more responsibility to Spencer Dinwiddie and Jaden Hardy to fill the backup point guard role.
“ We have to be prepared to deal with the unavailability of players and that's what we're looking to do right now, namely who can play the role of second point guard if Spencer has to start. We're going to study different fives. We have two games left. One in Los Angeles and one at home, just to see and prepare if some of the injured guys can't play on the 24th “, continues Jason Kidd.
The latter doesn't seem too worried. After all, last year Luka Doncic suffered a slight calf strain during training camp, but he was able to participate in the opening match against the same Spurs.
“ For us, it's almost normal. We had some injuries during training camp last year. You have to deal with it. We have to teach, and train the guys we have. You have to be ready. The good thing is that PJ, Luka and Maxi are in the system and understand what we're trying to do, so it shouldn't take them too long “, the coach remains optimistic.
Another factor for optimism is the Mavs' schedule: they play seven of their first nine games at home.
