Santi Aldama has been ruled out for Friday's game at Indiana with a right knee injury. The Mavericks will again play without him, and their frontcourt is already short with Dereck Lively II also out.
What happened
Santi Aldama is out for Friday's game against the Pacers. The injury report filed Thursday, Oct. 22 at 8:57 p.m. ET lists a right knee injury. Its comment reads: "Aldama (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Pacers." He was day-to-day on Wednesday, Oct. 21, after being out on Tuesday, Oct. 20. The knee has come up since early September. He was first listed day-to-day with it on Sept. 6 and has gone back and forth between day-to-day and out since then.
What it means for the Mavericks
Dallas plays at Indiana on Friday, Oct. 23 at 7:00 p.m. ET. The Mavericks are 0-1, ninth in the seeding, and lost their opener without Aldama. Last season he averaged 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 27.9 minutes over 43 games. That opener showed how Dallas covers his minutes. P.J. Washington played 30.6 minutes and Daniel Gafford 21.5 up front, with Naji Marshall at 28.7. Cooper Flagg scored 32 points in 32.9 minutes. Dereck Lively II (right foot), Caleb Martin (right thumb) and Tarik Biberovic (right heel) are also out, which leaves the Mavericks thin in the frontcourt.
What to watch
The injury report lists an expected return date of Saturday, Oct. 24, the day after the Indiana game. The next report will show whether his status changes. The knee has kept him moving between day-to-day and out for weeks, so that date is worth tracking report by report. Jett Howard is day-to-day with a right calf injury, which could affect the wing rotation in Indiana.
Is Santi Aldama playing against the Pacers on Friday?
No. He has been ruled out for Friday's game at Indiana with a right knee injury.
When will Santi Aldama be back?
The injury report lists an expected return date of Saturday, Oct. 24. No specific game has been announced for his return.