Aldama Could Return Against Spurs After Knee Surgery

Aldama has not played this season while recovering from knee surgery in March. The Mavericks had hoped he would be ready for the opening of the campaign but have taken a cautious approach to his return. He is now questionable for the November 4 matchup with San Antonio, his first time appearing on the injury report with that designation this season.

If he plays, Aldama could face Victor Wembanyama. His outside shooting as a frontcourt player may draw Wembanyama away from the rim, potentially creating more room for Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving to drive. Dallas enters the game looking to respond after losing to Sacramento on Monday.

Irving is available after missing Monday’s game as the team manages his recovery from an ACL injury. Caleb Martin, who has a right thumb strain, is also available. Max Christie will miss the game with a right hip injury, while rookie Sergio De Larrea, Tarik Biberovic and Dereck Lively II remain out. De Larrea is expected to be re-evaluated this week; no return timeline was given for Lively.

San Antonio will be without Tobias Harris, who has missed all games this season because of a left calf strain. Rookie Jayden Quaintance is also out for most of the year after right knee surgery.