Luka Doncic is out tonight against the Warriors and Monday against the Jazz, but the Mavericks are optimistic that his right heel contusion won’t sideline him much longer, writes Callie Caplan of The Dallas Morning News. Coach Jason Kidd told reporters that Doncic underwent an MRI on Friday, and the team hasn’t ruled out the possibility that he might play later in its five-game road trip, which runs through next Saturday.
“Luka — right heel contusion —healing, day to day, doing better, but will not join us in Utah,” Kidd said. “We’ll see where he’s at after that Utah game.”
Kidd also provided a few other injury updates, saying that Christian Wood participated in a 5-on-5 scrimmage Friday without a setback and could be ready to play by Monday. Maxi Kleber took part in a 1-on-1 workout for the first time since having surgery on his right hamstring in mid-December. Kidd said Davis Bertans will “probably” be sidelined through the All-Star break after straining his left calf in Thursday’s game.
There’s more from the Southwest Division:
- The Mavericks appear willing to discuss a two-year extension with Wood, but probably nothing longer, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said on Zach Lowe’s podcast. MacMahon is skeptical that a better deal exists in free agency, saying the teams he has talked to are showing limited interest in Wood. He also identifies Wood as the rotation player that Dallas is most likely to trade before Thursday’s deadline, although he’s not sure the team can find equal value in return.
- Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas will undergo an MRI Sunday morning after leaving tonight’s game with a right knee injury, tweets Andrew Lopez of ESPN.
- Spurs guard Malaki Branham reached new career scoring highs twice this week, notes Tom Orsborn of The San Antonio Express-News. San Antonio has seen a lot of progress from Branham, who was selected with the first-round pick the team received when it sent Thaddeus Young to the Raptors at last year’s deadline. “Things are just slowing down, picking my spots on the court, and doing what I know how to do,” Branham said. “That’s just as simple as it gets.”
- In an interview posted on the Memphis Commercial Appeal website, Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. talks about the excitement of heading to his first All-Star Game and a possible matchup against teammate Ja Morant.
The Mavs put themselves in this corner with Wood (rightfully so) with past transactions- Time to pay the piper
Your probably seeing a double down (2 yr ext) here is my guess b/c Dallas has no other direction to turn too and I don’t see many suitors in the trade market
They probably want to wait past the 9th but I see it happening before the summer { no party will exactly be thrilled come ink day as well }
I think Wood is the type of player who could really grow next to Luka… He won’t be a 2nd star but a really good player…
The Mavs just need Mark from Cuba to pay for a team that can contend.. But he’s too cheap to do that…
Mavs have been at least 1st tier tax or above 8 outta the last 10 seasons
Dallas problem is they can’t acquire talent w Bird Rights during the Luka regime. The wallets been present
Cuban will pay for the right player. Who is out There to be had other than Irving or maybe Russell. They need to get better scouting. They nailed Luka but not anyone else.
I am still in total disbelieve ’bout JJJ at the all-star… SMH!
Ever since the Knicks scouted Wood. When he took over Drummond in Detroit. He has been about getting paid, getting his. It’s why Pistons traded him. It’s why Rockets traded him. He’s always been about himself. Basketball is a team sport. Maybe one day he will understand that. Cause it seems another team is about to give up on him …..
Dallas is not a good place for Kyrie imo. He and Luka are too ball dominant. I see LA as best place for Kyrie Clippers or Lakers.
I was Nets I do ……
Dinwiddie, Wood, Bullock, #1 pick
If were Dallas I’d offer Bertans and Wood. No picks…
At least the nets got something lol