The Dallas Mavericks could be down another guard after rookie point guard Dennis Smith Jr. sprained his ankle in the Mavs’ 108-94 win over the Atlanta Hawks, the Associated Press’ Kyle Hightower reports.

Smith suffered the injury after getting tangled up with Hawks point guard Dennis Schroder in the first half. He did not return for the second half and finished with nine points and three assists in 13 minutes.

An injury to their prized rookie is the last thing the Mavs need at the moment. They've already witnessed their starting shooting guard Seth Curry go down, and out indefinitely, with a stress reaction in his leg.

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Dennis Smith Jr., the No. 9 overall pick in the 2017 draft, has had a strong preseason, averaging 11.5 points, three assists, and three rebounds through four preseason games. He's expected to play a big role for the Mavs this season as their likely starting point guard.

It remains to be seen who head coach Rick Carlisle turns to next if Smith isn’t ready to play before their regular season opener against the Hawks on Oct. 18. Veteran Devin Harris would be the most likely option to start opposite Yogi Ferrell in the backcourt if Carlisle wants to commit to his small-ball starting lineup.

Hopefully for the Mavs, Smith's injury isn't that serious and he can still make his home debut on opening night.