The NBA regular season is just around the corner, and for the Dallas Mavericks, expectations are high—yet uncertainty looms large.

With Kyrie Irving still recovering from an ACL injury suffered in March, the Mavs will rely heavily on their depth to navigate the early stretch of the season.

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Irving has not given a timetable for his return, and Dallas knows his absence could shape the early standings. The frontcourt depth—featuring Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg, PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively II—will be key to keeping the team competitive while the backcourt regroups.

Analysts, however, aren’t optimistic about Dallas’ short-term ceiling. ESPN’s Kevin Pelton projects the Mavericks to finish with 43.6 wins, placing ninth in the Western Conference.

“Although I don’t love how the players fit together in Dallas, the Mavericks certainly have plenty of talent,” Pelton wrote. “They’re not getting quite enough credit due to Irving’s injury and the Luka Dončić trade.”

Meanwhile, Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes sees a similar outcome, predicting a 42–40 record. Hughes notes the Mavericks’ defensive potential—thanks to their size and length—but questions whether the offense can keep up.

“Spacing will be at a premium if Dallas intends to put its best overall players on the floor,” Hughes wrote. “Expect major slogs on both ends as the Mavs overwhelm opponents with their size on defense but struggle to get anything going offensively.”

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While the roster boasts star power, including Klay Thompson and rookie standout Cooper Flagg, the team’s success may hinge on D’Angelo Russell’s shooting and playmaking. Unless Russell can return to form from beyond the arc, the Mavericks may find themselves hovering around .500—good enough to stay afloat, but short of true contention until Irving returns.

The Mavericks’ preseason continues on Saturday night at home against the Charlotte Hornets at 7:30 p.m. CT.