For the second straight year, Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic is dealing with an injury during the preseason.
Two days into training camp, the team announced that Doncic would be sidelined with a calf injury suffered while preparing for the season. While Doncic is not expected to miss extended time, it is an inconvenience for the defending Western Conference champions, who are working to implement new pieces ahead of the 2024-25 season.
What is Doncic's injury and what does it mean for Dallas as it gears up for the upcoming season? Here is everything to know about the superstar's calf injury.
MORE: Updated NBA Power Rankings after Karl-Anthony Towns trade
What is Luka Doncic's injury?
Doncic's injury is a left calf contusion, the Mavericks announced Wednesday.
The injury occurred after Doncic took a hit during a workout ahead of training camp, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. Dallas began training camp Tuesday, Oct. 1.
SN's NBA HQ: Live NBA scores | Updated NBA standings | Full NBA schedule
How long will Luka Doncic be out?
Doncic will be re-evaluated "as necessary" in one week, according to the team. This means he will be re-evaluated Wednesday, Oct. 9 at the earliest.
Dallas opens its preseason Monday, Oct. 7 against Memphis and Doncic will not be available, per head coach Jason Kidd. The Mavericks have four preseason games before opening the regular season against the Spurs on Oct. 24.
There is no concern that Doncic will miss the season opener, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon.
Last year, Doncic suffered a left calf strain during training camp and missed the preseason finale before playing in the season opener. It is important to note that the nature of a calf strain and a calf contusion is fundamentally different.
That said, Doncic's recovery ahead of 2023-24 should inspire confidence ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Dallas Mavericks upcoming schedule 2024-25
After training camp in Las Vegas, the Mavericks will play four preseason games in preparation for the upcoming season. Dallas' season opener comes on Oct. 24 against a Victor Wembanyama-led San Antonio team.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
| Oct. 7 | vs. Grizzlies (Preseason) | 8 p.m. |
| Oct. 10 | vs. Jazz (Preseason) | 8 p.m. |
| Oct. 14 | at Clippers (Preseason) | 10:30 p.m. |
| Oct. 17 | vs. Bucks (Preseason) | 7:30 p.m. |
| Oct. 24 | vs. Spurs | 7:30 p.m. |
This story will be updated.
