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Tag: Doncic

  • Stein: Optimism Mavs’ Doncic Will Return Before ASG


    There’s optimism in Dallas that star Mavericks guard Luka Doncic will be able to return to action prior to next month’s All-Star Game, reports NBA insider Marc Stein (Twitter link).

    Doncic sustained a left calf strain on Christmas Day vs. Minnesota, with subsequent reports indicating that he was expected to miss at least a month. The Mavs confirmed that they intended to reevaluate the five-time All-Star in approximately one month, so a formal update from the team could be around the corner.

    Beginning with Saturday’s NBA Finals rematch vs. the defending champion Celtics, the Mavericks have 11 more games before All-Star weekend (Feb. 14-16). Doncic has already missed the club’s past 15 games as a result of his calf strain. Dallas is 5-10 during that stretch, with a handful of key players battling injuries.

    [RELATED: Dereck Lively Has Fracture In Ankle, Expected To Miss 2-3 Months]

    While the Mavericks will obviously be inclined to play it safe with Doncic, who has dealt with multiple calf injuries over the course of his career, it would provide a huge lift if they can get him back on the court in the coming weeks.

    The Mavs’ recent slump has dropped them into play-in territory in the Western Conference — the club currently holds the No. 7 seed, with a 24-21 record, and is just a single game ahead of the No. 10 Suns.

    Prior to his injury, Doncic was averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 7.8 assists, and a career-high 2.0 steals in 35.7 minutes per game across 22 outings, with a shooting line of .464/.354/.767. As a result of this lengthy absence, he won’t be eligible for any end-of-season awards, since he’ll fall short of the 65-game requirement. He had made the All-NBA First Team five consecutive times entering 2024/25.

    Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal previously reported that Doncic was on track to get healthy prior to the All-Star break.



    Stein: Optimism Mavs’ Doncic Will Return Before ASG

    According to NBA insider Marc Stein, there is optimism within the Dallas Mavericks organization that star player Luka Doncic will make his return to the court before the All-Star Game. Doncic has been sidelined with an ankle injury, but the team is hopeful that he will be able to recover in time to showcase his talents on the national stage.

    Doncic has been a standout performer for the Mavericks this season, averaging nearly a triple-double with 28.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game. His absence has been felt by the team, but they remain confident in their ability to compete in his absence.

    If Doncic is able to make his return before the All-Star break, it will be a huge boost for the Mavericks as they look to solidify their position in the Western Conference standings. Fans will be eagerly awaiting his comeback, and the team will be counting on him to lead them to success in the second half of the season. Stay tuned for updates on Doncic’s recovery and potential return date.

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  • Thunder vs Mavericks prediction, picks, odds: Luka Doncic ruled out




    The highly anticipated matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks is set to take place, but with a major twist – Mavericks’ star player Luka Doncic has been ruled out for the game.

    Despite Doncic’s absence, the Mavericks are still considered the favorites to win this game. They have a strong supporting cast, including Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr., who have been stepping up in Doncic’s absence.

    On the other hand, the Thunder have been struggling this season and are currently sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. However, they have shown flashes of potential and have managed to pull off some upsets this season.

    In terms of odds, the Mavericks are heavily favored to win this game. However, with Doncic out, the Thunder may have a chance to pull off an upset.

    Prediction: Mavericks win

    Picks: Mavericks -6.5

    Odds: Mavericks -200, Thunder +180

    It will be interesting to see how both teams perform in this matchup without Doncic on the court. Tune in to see who comes out on top in this exciting showdown.

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    Thunder vs Mavericks prediction, Thunder vs Mavericks picks, Thunder vs Mavericks odds, NBA game prediction, NBA game picks, NBA game odds, Luka Doncic injury update, Thunder vs Mavericks betting tips, Thunder vs Mavericks matchup analysis

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  • Sources Confirm Troubling Luka Doncic Update as Major Klay Thompson Concern Comes to Light


    The 2024 NBA Finals were nothing short of painful as the dreams of the Dallas Mavericks crumbled. After an extraordinary season, they were left empty-handed and had no choice but to walk away with nothing but the thought of trying again next year. With that, last season was over, and so are the Mavericks’ chances of playing elite basketball. The reason? Luka Doncic‘s absence— a void the franchise has been unable to fill. But it looks like the Mavs will have to wait a bit longer, as sources claim that the Slovenian star will require more time before making his return.

    This came up on the Warriors Plus Minus podcast after the Mavs’ 110-105 defeat against the Hornets. While discussing how the Hornets had outplayed the Western team, host Anthony Slater remarked, “I watched the second half of Charlotte-Dallas today, where LaMelo Ball and the Hornets, with Del Curry on the call, are cooking the Mavericks, who, I don’t know, like Luka Doncic feels still pretty far away. They’re tumbling down the standings.”

    This comes as no surprise, as the Mavs have been highly inconsistent this season. The situation became even more apparent after Doncic was sidelined. The team suffered a massive blow on Christmas Day during their game against the Timberwolves when Doncic was forced to walk off the court due to a left calf sprain. And since then, the story has been all too familiar.

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    The expectation for his return is set for about a month after a reevaluation. However, some recent footage has sparked hope among fans, leading them to believe that Doncic is healing faster than expected and could potentially return sooner. But, all is still not well. Now it is Slater’s update that looks troubling for the Mavs.

    via Imago

    Doncic has missed 19 games this season, during which the team managed a 10-11 record. However, in their last ten games, they’ve only recorded three wins, which is quite concerning. To make matters worse, Klay Thompson, instead of stepping up, has struggled to find his rhythm.

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    Luka Doncic’s absence sparks concerns for Klay Thompson’s Performance

    The Mavericks added Klay to support Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, forming what was expected to be a formidable Big 3. With Thompson on the court, the dynamic duo would have more space to operate and lead the offense. But unfortunately, the 25-year-old had to exit from the picture. And with his absence, even Klay’s playmaking abilities seemed to vanish.

    At the start of the season, Klay appeared to regain his confidence and took charge, but now he’s visibly struggling. People knew the former Warrior for his ability to create offense at various levels, but his efficiency has dropped.

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    Even his signature pump fakes, once a key part of his game, are no longer timely. Despite getting multiple open chances, Klay hesitated to shoot, opting for pump fakes that ultimately ruined his opportunities. Even against the Hornets, he had a clear shot to lead the game into overtime. All he needed to do was take the open, deep shot in the final quarter. Instead, he pump-faked and missed a golden opportunity, thus finishing with only seven points.

    So far this season, Klay has averaged 13.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and two assists while shooting just over 41% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc. This growing uncertainty surrounding Klay’s performance puts even more pressure on Kyrie Irving, who will have to carry the team on his shoulders until Doncic returns. And when that will happen is still a mystery.



    Sources close to the Dallas Mavericks have confirmed a troubling update on star player Luka Doncic, as a major concern regarding Klay Thompson has also come to light.

    Doncic, who has been dealing with ankle issues throughout the season, is reportedly experiencing more discomfort than initially anticipated. The team is closely monitoring his condition and considering potential rest strategies to prevent further damage.

    In addition, there are growing concerns about the severity of Klay Thompson’s injury, with sources indicating that the Golden State Warriors guard may be facing a longer recovery time than previously expected. This news has sent shockwaves through the NBA community, as Thompson’s return was highly anticipated after missing the past two seasons due to injury.

    As both Doncic and Thompson navigate their respective injury challenges, fans and analysts alike are left wondering how these developments will impact their teams’ playoff aspirations. Stay tuned for more updates as the situation continues to unfold.

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  • Will Luka Doncic play tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves? Latest update on the Dallas Mavericks star’s injury report (January 22, 2025)


    Will Luka Doncic play tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves? Latest update on the Dallas Mavericks star's injury report (January 22, 2025)
    Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic gestures during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in San Francisco. (Image via AP Photo/Benjamin Fanjoy)

    The Dallas Mavericks are set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight at the American Airlines Center, but all eyes remain on Luka Doncic‘s injury status. The star guard has been sidelined since Christmas Day with a calf injury, and fans are eager to know if he will make his much-anticipated return to the court.
    Luka Doncic sustained the injury during a game against the same Timberwolves team they are set to face tonight. Since his absence, the Dallas Mavericks have struggled, winning only four of their last 13 games. Before the injury, Doncic was averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game, making his absence a significant blow to Dallas’ campaign. Reports indicate that the Slovenian guard is making progress in his recovery and could return before the All-Star break.

    Luka Doncic

    Luka Doncic (Image via USA TODAY Sports)

    In addition to Luka Doncic, the Dallas Mavericks are dealing with multiple injuries that have hampered their season. Klay Thompson, another key player, is listed as questionable due to a left ankle sprain. Meanwhile, Jaden Hardy (right ankle sprain), Dante Exum (recovering from right wrist surgery), and Dwight Powell (right hip strain) have all been ruled out for tonight’s matchup. Quentin Grimes (back spasms), Dereck Lively II (right ankle sprain), and Naji Marshall (illness) are also listed as questionable, further complicating the team’s rotation.
    Despite these setbacks, the Dallas Mavericks are hopeful that Luka Doncic’s return will provide the much-needed boost to their playoff aspirations. The Minnesota Timberwolves, on the other hand, have had a relatively better run this season, though they are coming off two consecutive losses. They will be looking to capitalize on the Mavericks’ injury struggles and get back in the win column.
    As the game approaches, fans are left wondering whether “Luka Magic” will grace the court tonight or if they will have to wait a little longer. Regardless, the matchup promises to be an exciting battle as Dallas fights to stay competitive in the Western Conference standings.
    With or without Luka Doncic, the Dallas Mavericks need to find consistency and resilience to overcome their current challenges and keep their postseason hopes alive.
    Also read: Will Jonathan Kuminga play tonight against the Sacramento Kings? Latest update on the Golden State Warriors star’s injury report (January 22, 2025)

    Let us know if you want to watch the Dallas Mavericks play tonight without their star guard. We feel that the game will not be any less entertaining with Doncic’s presence on the court.





    As the Dallas Mavericks prepare to face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight, fans are eagerly awaiting the latest update on star player Luka Doncic’s injury status. Doncic, who has been dealing with a nagging ankle injury, has missed the last few games and his absence has been felt on the court.

    According to the latest injury report, Doncic is listed as questionable for tonight’s game against the Timberwolves. The Mavericks coaching staff and medical team are closely monitoring his progress and will make a game-time decision on his availability.

    Doncic’s presence on the court is crucial for the Mavericks, as he is a dynamic playmaker and scorer who can take over games. However, the team will prioritize his long-term health and well-being, so they will not rush him back if he is not fully ready to play.

    Fans will have to wait for the official announcement closer to game time to see if Doncic will be suiting up tonight. In the meantime, Mavericks supporters are hoping for a speedy recovery for their star player so he can return to action and lead the team to victory. Stay tuned for more updates on Luka Doncic’s injury status.

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  • He like the poor man’s Luka Doncic

    He like the poor man’s Luka Doncic


    Former NBA champion Jeff Teague has boldly compared LA Lakers’ $12.9 million point guard Austin Reaves to Luka Doncic. Reaves is seemingly from having the impact Doncic has on the floor. He’s not an MVP-caliber player or a bonafide All-Star, either. Their trajectory and career arcs are significantly different.

    However, Teague views a few similarities related to how they play. During the latest episode of his show, the “Club 520 podcast,” the former Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics guard said:

    “He [Reaves] like the poor man Luka Doncic. … Yeah he a poor man Luka.”

    After his co-host disagreed, Teague said:

    “If you really watch him play, the way they play is very similar. He’s just not as big and strong. And why I say ‘poor man’ is because he don’t score as easy (as Doncic). But the way he make people shift and move and how he uses his body and creates space, and he give really good passes, too, and he make tough shots, he like the poor man Luka.” (40:04)

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    6-foot-4 Austin Reaves is much smaller in size compared to 6-foot-7 Luka Doncic. However, he has a flair to his game on offense, especially in pick and rolls, which appears similar to Doncic’s movement in tight spaces. Reaves doesn’t score at a high clip, but when given the opportunity, he has the skills to produce the goods.

    Reaves is coming off two consecutive 26-point games. He even dished a career-high 16 assists in Saturday’s win for the Lakers against the Kings in LeBron James’ absence.

    Austin Reaves to shoulder more burden as point guard after Lakers trade D’Angelo Russell

    Austin Reaves has gradually developed and grown each year. Now, in his fourth NBA season, he’s the undisputed No. 3 in the hierarchy of the Lakers’ best players behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He’s averaging a career-high 17.7 points and 5.5 assists per game, shooting on 44.4/36.3/79.4 splits.

    Reaves’ usage has also increased to 23.0% under new coach JJ Redick, a 2.3% uptick from last year. That could rise further in the next few weeks and possibly for the rest of the season. On Sunday, the Lakers traded their only traditional point guard, D’Angelo Russell, for Dorian Finney-Smith.

    The team is now slightly shorthanded at the one, and Reaves seems destined to get the promotion to full-time point guard role, which he has carried out for the better part of the season. After eight games, Redick demoted Russell to the bench, with the Lakers dropping to 4-4 after a 3-0 start.