A knee injury that the team is still tracking closely has already caused Sergio De Larrea to miss six games in a row. Against the Miami Heat on October 28, the Mavericks guard suffered what the team initially ruled a “right knee strain” That diagnosis has since changed, and the team later updated the official label to a “right knee sprain” as medical staff got a better look at the damage.
Coach Dusty May has shifted the timeline for a return twice now, which shows just how cautious the staff remains. Last week, May stated that De Larrea would be re-evaluated this week, yet that window has shifted once more. According to the latest FantasyPros update, Sergio De Larrea (knee) is set to be re-evaluated in one week, delaying the decision further.
Brace Workouts Show Promise
Despite the setback, De Larrea is not sitting idle in the facility while the team waits for his leg to heal. The Smoking Cuban reports that De Larrea has been training in the weight room and appears strong during those sessions. He is moving with power, but the physical limitation remains visible because De Larrea is in a brace to protect the joint.
The team needs to know if he can handle the speed of the game without risking a worse injury. The fact that he looks strong in the weight room is good news, but the brace means he cannot practice fully yet.
Backcourt Depth Takes a Hit
The repeated delays in his return make the lack of depth in the Mavericks’ backcourt a much bigger problem than it was a month ago. With six games gone and no firm date for his return, the other guards must carry the load while the injury lingers. The shift from a strain to a sprain suggests the ligament took more stress than first thought.
Dusty May stated that De Larrea would undergo re-evaluation next week, allowing the team an additional week to monitor how the knee reacts to heightened activity. The Mavericks cannot afford to rush him back if it means he sits out for the rest of the season. The team will wait for the medical staff to clear him before making any final calls on his status.
