As Game 2 of the NBA Finals 2024 is about to tip off, the Mavs fans are no doubt at the edge of their seats. Their superstar, Luka Doncic, has played through various injuries throughout the postseason. However, the latest issue he’s facing is a thoracic contusion. It was added to the previously listed injuries, like the right knee sprain and left ankle soreness. In the latest updates, Grant Afseth of MavericksSI tweeted a piece of concerning news. According to Coach Kidd, Luka is still questionable. “Jason Kidd says Luka Doncic is still questionable for Game 2. His status will [be] determined using his pre-game workout,” he posted.

Apparently, in what was termed as “uncharacteristic,” Luka did not end his pre-game workout with his usual halfcourt shots. “Can’t remember the last time I’ve seen that happen,” Afseth pointed out. And if that wasn’t enough, Clutch Points’ Tomer Azarly posted a video of Doncic’s warm-up, where he was holding his chest/rib area after a shot.

During Saturday’s practice session, too, this was a theme. The 25-year-old could be seen tending to the same area while grimacing at certain moments, no doubt because of discomfort or pain, perhaps. Notably, Luka Doncic has been on the injury report nearly every night during the postseason. Hence, it is nothing new for the team.  Nevertheless, not having the EuroLeague champion for a critical matchup does have its downsides. “If he’s out, we’re prepared to go without him, next man up … We’ve been in this seat pretty much the whole playoffs. So nothing changes,” Kidd had said in his pregame presser.

Is Luka Doncic playing tonight?

Although he was initially listed as questionable, Dallas fans can relax. Afseth tweeted that the 5x All-Star will indeed suit up for Game 2. Doncic has never left his team hanging, no matter how tough it’s been for him. The entire postseason is the living proof of it. Even if he has had to leave for a quarter or the first half, the Slovenian superstar has returned to turn the tide in their favor! “Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic (thoracic contusion; right knee sprain; left ankle soreness) is available to play Game 2 of the NBA Finals.”

Although we are yet to understand where or how Luka might have sustained this latest injury, Coach Kidd seems to know what might have gone down. According to Mike Leslie of WFAA 8 ABC, Jason believes “Luka Doncic’s thoracic contusion happened either taking a charge or diving for a loose ball.”

Whatever the cause may be, the fact of the matter is that Luka Doncic is battling three separate injuries in one of the most important games of his career. While he is prepared to give it his all, there is only so much his body can handle. So far, the Dallas Mavericks have seen success behind Doncic, no matter how many injuries he’s sustained, and Kyrie Irving.

Let’s hope they can continue that in the coming games. Bear in mind, if Boston wins three games, then the Mavs are as good as done! No team has ever come back from a three-game deficit, yet. So, hopefully, “Luka Magic” and Irving “Wizardry” can set the tone early with a Game 2 win! Keep checking this space for more such updates.

But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese.

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