Coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged that Matthews (Achilles) could play in the Mavericks' final preseason contest Friday against the Bulls, Dwain Price of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

EDGE Analysis

The fact that Carlisle is even entertaining the idea of playing Matthews is remarkable, considering his tore his Achilles' tendon in early March. Despite that severe injury, Matthews has maintained all along that he'd be ready for the regular-season opener, and that's starting to look like a real possibility. He's been taking part in contact drills at practice for over a week, and seems like he could be ready to test himself in a game setting before long. However, expect the Mavericks to hold him to some sort of minutes restriction when he does take the court, which could allow either or both of John Jenkins and Justin Anderson to hold down spots in Carlisle's rotation.

Matthews (Achilles) will not play in Wednesday's preseason game against the Suns, Earl K. Sneed of Mavs.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews' activity level continues to be limited, as he's returning from a torn left Achilles' tendon. Although he has expressed confidence in being ready for the regular-season opener, it's likely the Mavs will limit his minutes, given he's cleared to play.

Matthews (Achilles) will not play in Monday's preseason tilt with the Cavaliers, Earl K. Sneed of Mavs.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews resumed taking contact about a week ago, and the Mavericks appear to be managing his activity carefully as he returns from a torn left Achilles' tendon. His status is still clouded heading into the start of the season, and even if Matthews receives clearance to play in the opener, his minutes will likely be limited early on.

Matthews (Achilles) went through contact drills at Monday's practice, Dwain Price of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was Matthews' first time taking contact since undergoing surgery back in mid-March. While the shooting guard, himself, has maintained that he expects to be ready for opening night, the Mavs have been a little less optimistic, with Rick Carlisle saying last month that an opening night return would be a "long shot." Either way, his return to contact practice is certainly a step in the right direction, and if he's not ready to begin the season, Matthews is unlikely to miss much time.

Matthews (Achilles) will not play in Tuesday's preseason opener, Earl Sneed of Mavs.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, Matthews will remain out as he continues to work back from a torn Achilles. While Matthews has maintained that being ready for opening night is a realistic goal, coach Rick Carlisle has been less optimistic, though he has not ruled out the possibility.

Coach Rick Carlisle called Matthews a "longshot" to play on opening night, but he did not officially rule out the possibility, Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News reports.

EDGE Analysis

As was the case at Monday's media day, conflicting reports regarding Matthews' timetable continue to float around. Matthews, himself, remains confident that he'll be ready for opening night, but the general consensus around the franchise seems to be that sometime in November or December is a bit more realistic. On Monday, Carlisle threw out "Christmas" as a potential return date, but Tuesday's comments suggest that Matthews will likely be back sooner. Matthews, who is coming off of an Achilles tear, was held out of contact work Tuesday, but he reportedly had a good day in other drills.

Matthews (Achilles) could return as soon as late-December, Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews tore his Achilles in early-March, but the injury did not deter the Mavericks from inking him to a four-year deal this offseason. While he appears to be ahead of schedule, Matthews will miss at least the first two months of the season, with Christmas being thrown out as a potential target return date by coach Rick Carlisle.

Matthews (Achilles) will not be available at the start of training camp, ESPN Dallas reports.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews is making his way back from a torn Achilles suffered in March of last season. He will be brought along gradually to insure he's 100 percent when he resumes playing. Matthews continues to express optimism about his availability for the regular season but it appears the Mavericks will exhibit caution here.

Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews will be brought along slowly in his first year with the team as he recovers from an Achilles tendon injury, according to the team's official website. Matthews tore his Achilles while playing for the Portland Trail Blazers in March, and while he may be ready for the start of the season, Dallas intends to be cautious after he signed a a four-year deal as a free agent in July. "He's definitely on track for a full recovery, but we’re going to be erring on the side of being conservative and cautioned," head coach Rick Carlisle said. "The first year is more about making sure that he's right and getting him out there on the right terms, and from there we want him to make a full recovery and continue to get better." Rookie Justin Anderson could see extended minutes if Matthews needs to miss time.

Matthews has agreed in principle to a four-year deal with the Mavericks, David Aldridge of TNT reports. Despite reportedly getting a big offer from the Kings, Matthews decided late Thursday night to join the Mavericks. Matthews, who is coming off a torn Achilles, still attracted the attention of several teams on the open market. He was one of the best two-way perimeter players on the market, and it appears he'll be suiting up in a Mavericks uniform this season. TNT's David Aldridge reported that the contract amount is yet to be finalized, but it is expected to be a four-year deal.