5:18pm: Doncic has been cleared to play on Wednesday, but Irving will be held out, tweets Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News.
Coach Jason Kidd confirmed the decision, telling reporters he hopes to limit Doncic’s playing time, but adding, “If he gets to 40 minutes, I’m sure there will be a discussion because he won’t want to come out.” (Twitter link)
12:00pm: Mavericks star Luka Doncic is expected to be back in action on Wednesday night after missing the team’s last five games due to a left thigh strain, tweets ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. The Mavs have formally listed Doncic as probable to play vs. Golden State (Twitter link).
Doncic, who suffered the injury during a March 8 loss in New Orleans, has been bothered by multiple minor ailments this season and has now missed a total of 15 games. Dallas is 5-10 in those contests and has slipped to .500 (36-36) on the season after going 2-3 during its latest stretch without him. All three of those losses came against Memphis.
When he has played, Doncic has been his usual dominant self, posting a team-best 33.0 points per game on 50.0% shooting. He has also contributed 8.6 rebounds and 8.0 assists in 36.3 minutes per night.
Barring a setback, Doncic will suit up on Wednesday in what will be a critical game in the Western Conference playoff race. The Mavs currently hold the No. 8 seed, but would pass the No. 6 Warriors in the standings with a victory tonight.
It’s unclear whether or not Doncic’s fellow backcourt starter will be available. Kyrie Irving is listed as questionable after aggravating a right foot injury in Monday’s loss to the Grizzlies.
Thunder, Timberwolves, Mavericks, Jazz all getting hot at the right time, Lakers are about to get left in the dust and will miss the play in without LeBron saving them
I love to see Lakers at 10th seed then race to championship
I still believe that Lakers can defeat Nuggets, Grizzlies and Kings
Lakers have 2 superstars and 7 top tier young talents
Austin Reaves is the best player without market contract
Reaves is better than Jalen Green
Jalen Green averages more PPG, Rebounds, AST, STL, and has the same PER (Player Efficancy Rating)
Only reason Reaves has better shooting numbers is cause he plays less limits and comes off the bench to feast on the opposing team’s 2nd unit.
If Luka doesn’t start to take better care of himself this will be the norm. Smdh
bro has only missed 15 games, LeBron has missed 21 games, I don’t hear ya’ll calling out James for being injury prone.
LeBron is 14 years older than him lol
10 gms left ….. Mavs only 1 1/2 gms in back of Clippers. For the 5th seed. Luka can play “HeroBall” now ….