DALLAS -- Chris Kaman expects to be ready to bang with Dwight Howard when the Mavericks open the regular season Oct. 30 against the Lakers.

The Mavs’ new big man just isn’t certain that will be the case.

Kaman has missed the last two preseason games due to a strained right calf, which started bothering him after Wednesday’s win over the Phoenix Suns. The Mavs consider Kaman day to day.

“I mean, I’m pretty sure I’ll be good to go,” Kaman said when asked about his status for the season opener. “That’s a long time from now. It gives me over a week and I’m progressing pretty good. I don’t really see that as a problem, but I can’t guarantee that.”

Durability is the biggest concern about Kaman, who has missed 152 games over the last five seasons due to a variety of injuries. He’s already been injured twice during his brief time in Dallas, suffering a sprained right back in the first official practice that sidelined him for a few days.

With Dirk Nowitzki and Kaman out, Elton Brand and Brandan Wright are the only legitimate power forward/centers on the roster with any NBA experience.

“It changes a lot,” said Brand, who had nine points and four rebounds in 27 minutes during Monday’s win over the New Orleans Hornets. “I was expecting to spell Dirk and come in for Kaman and have a 7-footer out there, one who could shoot and one who could post. Now I’m with a bunch of wings, but we’re going to find a way to do it. We’re going to find a way to hold the fort down.”