Preseason Game 5: Mavs Take on Cavs, Without Lebron

 

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

 

The Dallas Mavericks will look for their first preseason victory tonight in Cleveland. While LeBron James will sit out tonight and the remainder of the preseason due to lingering back pain, the Mavericks will once again be without the services of three of their starters. Chandler Parsons and Wes Matthews continue to rehab in hopes of getting back sooner than expected, and it was also reported yesterday that Deron Williams will be out for the entire preseason, and may possibly not be ready for the opener in Phoenix.

 

“Williams will not do any contact stuff this week. He’s got a strained calf, which we figured was the case, but I think he got an MRI yesterday and it confirmed it. He’s doing better, but he will not play in the exhibition games. And we’ll see if we can get him ready for the opener.” – Rick Carlisle

 

One could argue that the Mavericks could use a different starting five every night, but based on talent alone, the Mavericks best option would be Williams, Matthews, Parsons, Nowitzki, and McGee. On paper, it looks like a very solid starting five, injuries aside. The problem is we have no idea what that looks like. That starting five has logged a total of just 19 minutes this preseason, with Dirk Nowitzki logging each and every one of those.

 

The Cleveland Cavaliers are also win-less this preseason, and will be facing the Mavericks on the second night of a back to back. Nowitzki will have his hands full, as the Mavericks have also decided to sit Zaza Pachulia and J.J. Barea for rest. Look for guys like Devin Harris, Justin Anderson, and preseason standout John Jenkins to help Nowitzki bring the Mavericks their first victory of the season.

 

Injury Report:

 

Deron Williams (right calf strain)

JaVale McGee (left tibial stress fracture)

J.J. Barea (rest)

Wesley Matthews (left Achilles surgery)

Chandler Parsons (right knee surgery)

Zaza Pachulia (rest)

 

How To Watch:

 

The game starts at 6 p.m. CT. It will air nationally on NBA TV and on TXA 21 as well.