Santi Aldama appeared on the Mavericks' injury report for the first time this offseason, listed day-to-day with a right knee issue. NBA reporter Marc Stein said Aldama is expected to be ready in time for training camp.
What happened
The Mavericks listed Santi Aldama as day-to-day on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 4:32 a.m. ET, with a right knee issue affecting his leg. There was no previous status on file, making this his first appearance on the injury report this offseason. According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, Aldama is expected to be ready in time for training camp. The report set no other timeline beyond that, and his official expected return is listed as Oct. 1.
What it means for the Mavericks
Dallas opens the season at home against the Rockets on Friday, Oct. 9. Aldama averaged 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 27.9 minutes across 43 games last season, and any absence would cut into that frontcourt production. If he sits, the minutes Dallas leaned on without him go to Cooper Flagg (33.5 min, 21.0 pts), Anthony Davis (31.3 min, 20.4 pts), P.J. Washington (31.0 min, 14.2 pts), Naji Marshall (29.5 min, 15.2 pts) and Max Christie (29.1 min, 12.3 pts), with Daniel Gafford also in the mix at 21.7 minutes. The Mavericks are 0-0 with the 2026-27 season not yet underway, so there is no record split with or without him yet.
What to watch
The Mavericks have not issued another update since the Sept. 6 report. Marc Stein's comment points to a return in time for training camp, and the report's expected return date is Oct. 1, more than a week before the opener against the Rockets. Look for Dallas' next injury report to confirm whether the knee issue has cleared before camp begins.
Is Santi Aldama playing vs Rockets?
It is not announced. Aldama is listed day-to-day with a right knee issue, and Dallas does not play the Rockets until the season opener on Friday, Oct. 9.
When will Santi Aldama be back?
The injury report lists an expected return of Oct. 1, with NBA reporter Marc Stein saying he is expected to be ready in time for training camp.