Luka Doncic absence in season
For the Dallas Mavericks, having to cope with Luka Doncic’s absence during a vital period of the season is far from ideal.Doncic, 24, was declared out for Monday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies, the final stop on a three-game road trip, due to a left thigh injury, and will miss his fifth straight game. The Mavs defeated the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers last week despite not having its star Slovenian player.
Dallas improve a slender lead
Dallas improved to 36-35, giving them a slender lead of 0.5 games over the Golden State Warriors in the hunt for the Western Conference’s sixth seed and a spot in the 2023 Playoffs. The Mavericks are only 1.5 games away from elimination and 2.5 games away from the fourth spot thanks to the bizarre standings position.
Doncic Luka stated
After missing his fourth straight game, Doncic stated, “It’s tough to be on a bench just sitting and watching, especially in these types of situations where we need every win we can get. It’s just frustrating to be on the bench right now.”The Slovenian guard played in 57 games in the 2022–23 NBA Regular Season before suffering the injury.
He averaged 33.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 8.0 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks a game while shooting just 50% from the floor.Along with Doncic, Markieff Morris (a painful left knee) was also ruled out of the trip to Fed Ex Forum. Questionable players include Kyrie Irving (right foot pain) and Tim Hardaway Jr.