Chris Kaman – all but penciled in as the opening-day starter at center for the Dallas Mavericks – sprained his lower back during the team’s first practice this morning at American Airlines Center.

Team officials said the injury limited Kaman’s participation the rest of the practice, but doesn’t appear to be too serious. Kaman, in fact, is expected back at this afternoon’s practice, although in limited duty.

The Mavs signed Kaman to a one-year, $8 million contract in July. He is expexcted to move into the starting center spot vacated by Brendan Haywood, who the Mavs used the NBA’s amnesty clause on this past summer.