Mavs Injury Report: Is Luka Doncic Playing Against Kings? Availability Updates Ahead of Mid-Table Clash
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USA Today via Reuters
Mar 26, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots the ball against Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (40) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
After smashing the Sacramento Kings 132-96 on the road on March 27th, the Dallas Mavericks find themselves back in Sacramento seeded 8th for another showdown. The tip-off is set for 7 PM at the Golden 1 Center tomorrow. While the Mavs currently hold the 6th spot in the Western Conference standings, the outcome of this rematch could substantially impact the playoffs. The big question remains, will Mavs superstar Luka Doncic be able to repeat his incredible performance against the Kings?
Doncic went off on Tuesday, putting up a staggering 28 points with 11 rebounds and 6 assists in just 32 minutes as the Mavs dominated the Kings. However, a shadow hangs over his availability for Friday’s game due to left Achilles soreness. He’s listed as “questionable” on the latest injury report. This is the same issue that made him a game-time decision on Tuesday. Luckily, he was upgraded to active and went on to stuff the stat sheet. Maxi Kleber joins Doncic on the injury report as “questionable” with right knee soreness. Josh Green remains out with a right ankle sprain. Despite the injury concerns, fans are hopeful that Doncic will find a way to suit up.
Dallas Mavericks Injury Report vs. Sacramento Kings:
Luka Doncic – questionable (left Achilles soreness)
Maxi Kleber – questionable (right knee soreness)
Josh Green – out (right ankle sprain)
Olivier-Maxence Prosper – out (G League)
Greg Brown III – out (G League)
Brandon…— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) March 28, 2024
Doncic has averaged 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.1 rebounds in 63 games this season. He leads the NBA in scoring average and ranks 3rd in assists per game. He’s continued to throw down historic results while leading the team to a 40-23 record when he’s in the lineup.
Not having Doncic tomorrow would thus be a tough obstacle to overcome for the Mavericks. The instance would further require Kyrie Irving to step up. When playing without Doncic, Irving has averaged 31.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 5.7 rebounds in 6 games this season. Either or together, the two remain crucial for the Mavs as the playoffs close in.
Dallas Mavs Playoff Picture
After a disappointing 2023 season that saw them get shot down from a potential top seed to missing the playoffs entirely, the Irving-Doncic pairing seems to have finally found its rhythm. Injuries and inconsistency hovered over the team in the early months of this season, keeping the Mavs in the middle of the table.
However, a turnaround began in the latter half of the season. Heavy trades at the deadline addressed roster weaknesses, and the Mavs have been on fire ever since. Over the past 21 games, they have a league-best 15-6 record, pushed by a potent offense and a focus on defense. The Mavericks have finally found a winning formula with their roster. Doncic and Irving provide the scoring x-factor, while Gafford, Washington, Green, Lively, Jones Jr., Hardaway Jr., and Kleber offer a mix of defense, and rebounding.
The road ahead gets bumpy for the Mavs. After tonight’s clash with the Kings (42-30), and Dallas (43-29) the team faces multiple teams desperate to grab a playoff spot. With the ending of the Mavs vs Kings saga, the sweet sixth seed in the West may be decided. The Mavs are only 1 game behind the fourth-seeded Pelicans. The Suns in 8th are breathing down their necks, just half a game back. And the Lakers in 9th are making a late-season push, sitting 4 games behind. So, barring a major collapse, a playoff spot seems pretty secure for the Mavs.
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Edited by:
Shivatmika Manvi