# Mavericks Injury Updates Ahead of Preseason Finale

> Dallas Mavericks forwards Morez Johnson Jr. and Santi Aldama close to returning ahead of preseason finale.
- Title: Mavericks Injury Updates Ahead of Preseason Finale | Shortify
- Summary: Dallas Mavericks forwards Morez Johnson Jr. and Santi Aldama close to returning ahead of preseason finale.
- Keywords: dallas mavericks, morez johnson jr, santi aldama, preseason finale, atlanta hawks, dusty may, nba, mavericks, forwards, injury updates, sports, Injury
- Source: Dallas Mavericks On SI — https://si.com/nba/mavericks/onsi/injury-updates-two-dallas-mavericks-forwards-ahead-preseason-finale-morez-jonson-
- Published: 2026-10-15T23:00:20+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: dallas mavericks, morez johnson jr, santi aldama, preseason finale, atlanta hawks, dusty may, nba, mavericks, forwards, injury updates, sports
## Mavericks Injury Waters
The Dallas Mavericks are wading through injury waters with key forwards sidelined ahead of preseason.
## Morez Johnson Jr. Status
Morez Johnson Jr. started preseason but played only 12 minutes before being sidelined due to lower-leg injury.
## Johnson's Injury Progress
Johnson is close to returning but dealing with shin splints after calf soreness in Summer League.
## Santi Aldama Status
Santi Aldama, acquired in trade with Memphis Grizzlies, hasn't played since knee procedure in March.
## Aldama's Return Timeline
Aldama is getting much closer to playing but won't return for preseason finale, hoping for season opener readiness.

> much, much closer
## Injury Impact
Two forwards injured with Dereck Lively II still recovering from foot surgery in December.
## Preseason Finale
Mavericks face Atlanta Hawks in American Airlines Center on Friday for preseason finale.
## Key takeaway

Dallas Mavericks forwards Morez Johnson Jr. and Santi Aldama are close to returning ahead of their preseason finale.