# NBA player injury and roster depth concerns

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nba-player-injury-and-roster-depth-concerns
> Updated: 2026-10-24T23:29:08.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

As the 2026-27 NBA season begins, teams are managing various roster challenges. The Dallas Mavericks have faced significant injury concerns, starting with Santi Aldama’s recovery from knee surgery, which caused him to miss the preseason. 

By the time the Mavericks hosted the San Antonio Spurs for their home opener, the team’s injury list had expanded. Key players including Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving, Santi Aldama, Dereck Lively, Caleb Martin, and Tarik Biberovic were sidelined, leaving the roster depleted. 

Other teams, such as the Atlanta Hawks, also entered the season facing depth issues, specifically regarding stability in the small forward, power forward, and center positions.

As the Mavericks prepare to face the Miami Heat, some roster movement has occurred. Kyrie Irving is expected to return following a scheduled rest, and Cooper Flagg is listed as “probable” despite a recent shoulder injury. However, the team remains shorthanded as Dereck Lively and Santi Aldama remain sidelined.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-24: Miami Heat to host Dallas Mavericks in NBA matchup

The Miami Heat host the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night as both teams look to improve their early-season records.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dallas-mavericks-host-san-antonio-spurs-amid-injury-concerns

### 2026-10-18: NBA teams face injury and depth concerns ahead of season opener

NBA teams prepare for the season opener as the Dallas Mavericks monitor Santi Aldama’s recovery and the Atlanta Hawks address concerns regarding their frontcourt depth.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nba-teams-face-injury-and-depth-concerns-ahead-of-season-opener

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Cite as: NBA player injury and roster depth concerns. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nba-player-injury-and-roster-depth-concerns