As the NBA playoffs progress, the Dallas Mavericks find themselves locked in a head-to-head battle with the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round. The Clippers beat the Mavericks 116-11 on Monday in Game 4; the teams are now tied with two wins in both their hands. Luck wasn’t on the Mavs’ side on Monday; star player Luka Doncic reportedly had knee problems.

With every game being more important than the last, the presence or absence of important players can swing the balance in a team’s favor. Luka’s availability status has worried fans ahead of Game 5, which happens tonight.

Will Luka Doncic be forced to miss Game 5?

Amid concerns about Doncic’s health, fans have received a glimmer of hope. According to Dallas Morning News sports reporter Brad Townsend, Mavs coach Jason Kidd said the player’s presence is ‘probable.’ According to Kidd, Luka Doncic has been nursing a sprained knee. However, there is still hope; as he is now listed as probable for Game 5, which could mean that he might make tonight’s game.

Even though he played for most of the game, Luka Duncic was struggling, he even had his right knee wrapped for preventative measures. Regardless, he managed to score 29 points as well as get 10 rebounds and 10 assists. In a post-game interview, he spoke about his setbacks, saying, “It’s hurting obviously, but it shouldn’t be an excuse, man. We just came out a little sloppy.” The player admitted that he thought the team’s defense was not up to par this time and that moving forward, they needed to put work into starting off on a better foot.

Trending

“Gonna Be On LinkedIn”: Charles Barkley Begins Job Hunt, Shaq Goes AWOL as NBC Takes ‘Inside The NBA’, TNT to Deep Waters

May 20, 2024 12:20 PM EDT

30 Days Before Second Marriage, Shaquille O’Neal’s Heartfelt Confession Won the Respect of Ex-Wife Shaunie Henderson

May 18, 2024 01:00 PM EDT

Shaquille O’Neal Reveals Retirement Plans as Inside the NBA Crew Prepare for Uncertain Future With TNT

May 20, 2024 01:00 PM EDT

Replaced by Shaquille O’Neal and $14 Million Worth TNT Deal, Here Are the Former “Inside the NBA” Analysts

May 20, 2024 12:35 PM EDT

Shaquille O’Neal, Tempted by Elon Musk’s Tesla Creation, Offers $159,999 Worth Trade to 30YO Comedian

May 19, 2024 06:38 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

On the other hand, Point Guard Kyrie Irving brought home 40 points along with seven rebounds and five assists. Luka Doncic expressed his disappointment about not being able to assist his teammate, he said, “I’ve got to help him more. “I feel like I’m letting him down, so I’ve got to be there. I’ve got to help him more. He’s giving everything he has. He’s been amazing for us the whole series.” Luka and Kyrie’s partnership has been instrumental for the Mavericks this season and Luka’s absence may set them back.

Will the Mavericks survive without Doncic?

Doncic’s contribution to the Mavericks’ success this season cannot be overstated. He has been the team’s spearhead in both the regular seasons and playoffs and has displayed his abilities as a leader, playmaker, and scorer. Luka Doncic has played his career-high this season with 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists on an average of 37.5 minutes. The player is currently #1 on the league’s leaderboard for Top Scorers.

Luka and Irving’s collective effort has secured Dallas the #7 position on the leaderboard for Top Scorers. Now that it is most crucial, the Mavericks cannot afford to play a game without him. His absence would be a major hindrance to the team’s future in the playoffs.

Nonetheless, all hope is not lost. Coach Kidd’s words serve as a beacon of hope for all Mavericks fans tonight. Naturally, the decision to bring their star player back will not be taken lightly by the team. They would not jeopardize his health for tonight’s game if they feel he is not ready. With Game 5 at bay, Luka Doncic’s presence could be the factor that might tip the scales in Dallas’ favor, leading them a step closer to the title.