What happened
A Dallas Morning News report says the Mavericks are taking a patient approach with Santi Aldama’s recovery, and he did not play in either preseason game in Macao, China.
Aldama was acquired from Memphis in a July 8 six-team trade, and first-year coach Dusty May said he can add lineup versatility and shooting to Dallas.
If Aldama remains out, Dallas may have to lean more on other frontcourt reserves and a thinner shooting rotation. His opening-night availability is still uncertain.
Automated brief based on the linked report. Lineup context is analysis; official starting-five labels come separately from our game data provider.
Original reporting: Vague injury status clouds Santi Aldama’s immediate outlook — but what about the full 2026-27 season? — Yahoo Sports ↗