The Dallas Mavericks find themselves in a surprising position after making a blockbuster mid-season trade. The team is just 4-6 in their last 10 games and on the brink of missing the postseason despite acquiring five-time All-Star Kyrie Irving. Irving was supposed to help balance Dallas’ offense, which relied heavily on superstar Luka Doncic.
He has, but their fit is questionable, and with fewer than 15 games left in the regular season, they may not have enough time to crack the code. Especially with Doncic being injured.
Luka Doncic’ injury status for the Mavericks’ game at the Lakers on March 17th
Doncic is expected to miss the Mavericks game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday with a left thigh strain. The fact that he was ruled out for the game days in advance likely isn’t a good sign. Then again, his team might just be trying to buy their star more time. After all, the Mavericks have some ground to make up in the standings in what is sure to be a chaotic end to a long regular season. They’ll need Doncic at full strength, but will he be?
When will Luka Doncic play?
Doncic is listed as day-to-day, which suggests that he could be back fairly soon. That will depend on how he feels over the next few days, but it seems possible that he won’t miss more than a few games with his injury. That’s obviously great news for Mavericks fans, who know their championship hopes rely heavily on him. No Doncic, no championship, and a limited Doncic means worse title odds. A lot rides on his health, but he will not suit up against the Lakers on Friday, March 17th.
Dallas Mavericks’ full injury report
Joining Doncic on the injury report Markeiff Morris, Tim Hardaway Jr., and JaVale McGee are all listed as questionable with knee, sprained right ankle, and calf injuries, respectively. Meanwhile, Irving is also on the injury report.
Dallas Mavericks’ next opponents
The Mavericks’ next opponents may prove crucial to whether they even make the playoffs. The Mavericks are only a game and a half up on the twelfth-place New Orleans Pelicans in the West. That means even a three-game losing streak could see them tumble from being the eighth seed to being out of the play-in tournament. Here are their next opponents:
Friday, March 17: @ Los Angeles Lakers, 10:30 p.m.
Monday, March 20: @ Memphis, 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 22: Golden State at 7:30 p.m.
Overall, Doncic will likely be back fairly soon, but the Mavericks could lose ground with him out of the lineup.