Dallas Mavericks star Point Guard Luka Doncic will be out for at least one month. Doncic will be re-evaluated in one month after sustaining a left calf strain in Wednesday afternoon’s Christmas Day game, which resulted in a 105-99 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, sources told ESPN on Thursday night. Previously, Doncic underwent an MRI and received multiple opinions on the left calf injury, sources told ESPN.
Doncic’s latest injury — a left calf strain — reminded the basketball world of his previous left calf contusion, which caused him to miss training camp and preseason. Doncic has a history of injuries, including those to the calf, which should be a cause for concern, as Doncic has strained his calf for the third time in recent years. Doncic will miss at least 15 games and be eliminated from contention for the NBA’s awards, such as NBA MVP.
Luka Doncic Injury Update
On Wednesday afternoon, Luka Doncic left the Dallas Mavericks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves game at the American Airlines Center after making a face in pain when he positioned his left foot after picking up his dribble. He immediately looked at the Mavericks’ bench to show he was injured and couldn’t get back on defense. After Minnesota scored, Dallas called a timeout to allow Doncic to leave the game with 2:31 in the second quarter.
Doncic hobbled to the locker room for further evaluation and was subsequently ruled out of the game. After the postgame, Doncic reportedly used crutches to leave the American Airlines Center. Doncic has averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game while shooting 46.4% from the field goal line and 35.4% from the three-point line.
On Thursday night, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on X, “Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic will be re-evaluated in one month after sustaining a left calf strain on Christmas Day, sources tell ESPN.” Previously, on Wednesday, Charania reported the Mavericks were bracing for Doncic to miss an extended period of time after sustaining a calf strain, sources told him and Tim MacMahon.
Doncic’s Injury
Luka Doncic’s left calf injury is a significant loss for the Dallas Mavericks. However, Dallas has been in similar situations in the past, with the most recent situation being Doncic’s recent return from a two-game absence due to a left heel contusion. Doncic also sustained a right knee contusion and a right wrist sprain this season and missed eight games. Dallas was 6-2 in those games Doncic has missed, including one where Kyrie Irving was out.
Irving’s stat line included 39 points, four rebounds, and two assists, on Wednesday. Irving told reporters, “Praying for Luka just to have a speedy recovery,” Irving said after scoring 39 points in Wednesday’s loss when the Mavs trimmed a 28-point deficit to two points in the final minute. “However long the timetable is, we’re going to have to adjust. It’s just the nature of the business. Hopefully, he just takes his time and comes back when he’s ready.”
Life Without Doncic
Luka Doncic’s injury is a massive blow for the Dallas Mavericks. However, Dallas is entering familiar territory, as Kyrie Irving was previously asked about Doncic’s injury last week amid the latter’s two-game absence. Doncic appeared to return too quickly and might want to consider taking his time recovering this time around. The Mavericks need a Doncic-esque player, but can’t afford to lose star power like the rest of the NBA.
After Wednesday’s game, Klay Thompson responded to a Luka Doncic question from a reporter. Thompson responded, “It sucks, and It’s kind of deflating. We’re lucky to have such a deep roster, and that’s why we can withstand this time without him. We obviously are not the same without Luka in the lineup… We are going to do everything we can to go on a run here without him.”
The Mavericks open a four-game road trip with a first game against the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Center on Friday at 7:00 p.m. Mountain. Both the Mavericks and Suns will be without their biggest stars, as Doncic and Devin Booker will be out. Booker has been out with a groin strain. Doncic’s workload will likely be taken by Kyrie Irving.
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