Mavericks PG J.J. Barea out six weeks with left leg injury

The Dallas Mavericks will be without guard JJ Barea for at least six weeks. That’s according to a report from ESPN that says the Puerto Rican guard tore a muscle connecting his left calf and Achilles tendon during a Wednesday loss to the Boston Celtics, 90-83.

It comes at a tough time for both Barea and the Mavericks, who have started the season just 2-8 despite hopes they would be a playoff contender in the Western Conference.

Barea, 32, is averaging 16.3 points, 5.4 assists, and shooting 38.3 percent from 3-point range to start the year. It’s one of his best starts to an NBA season yet, but Barea is optimistic about his timeline.

From ESPN:

“Thank God there is no damage to the Achilles tendon and no surgery is required. I have a tear in the muscle between my calf and the tendon. I will have to use a walking boot for two weeks and won’t partake in any physical activity for the next month. I estimate that I will be out for about a month and a half. It could have been worse,” Barea said, after suffering the noncontact injury while dribbling.

Dallas is already battling an injuries to point guards Deron Williams and Devin Harris, and losing Barea is yet another blow.

The Mavericks will have to make do with Seth Curry and newly-signed Jonathan Gibson at point guard for the time being.