The Dallas Mavericks are expected to be without superstar guard Luka Doncic for an extended period of time after the perennial MVP candidate suffered a strained left calf.
Doncic will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury on Thursday, but insiders believe it will be more “week to week” as opposed to “day-to-day”. The 25 year old was forced out late in the 2nd quarter of his team’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves after attempting to change direction with his left foot. The team’s medical staff would go on to rule him out for the remainder of the contest at halftime.
“It stings for sure for all of us,” Kyrie Irving told reporters. “Praying for Luka just to have a speedy recovery. 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.”
After the contest, reporters saw Doncic leaving the arena on crutches, which doesn’t bode well for Mavs fans hoping for a speedy recovery. The 6’6″ Slovenian star has already missed 8 games thus far as he’s battled a variety of ailments including a wrist injury, knee contusion and more.
Dallas was beginning to get into a rhythm offensively prior to Doncic’s departure, having won 7 of their last 10 contests. Currently sporting a 19-11 record, the Mavericks hold sole possession of 4th seed in the ultra competitive Western Conference.
For his part, Doncic is averaging 28.1pts/8.3reb/7.8ast per contest across 22 games in 2024-25. In his absence, co-star Kyrie Irving will be expected to take on an even bigger offensive load for the Mavericks, who next travel to Phoenix to take on the Suns on Friday.
Photo: Erik Drost. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.