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Mavs Injury Report: Is Luka Doncic Playing Tonight vs Pistons Amid Blazing Form?

Published 03/09/2024, 10:41 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic developed a right elbow sprain during his team’s recent 114-108 win against the Miami Heat. With the team set to face off against the Detroit Pistons in an away game at the Little Caesars Arena, ESPN sportscaster Tim MacMahon took to his official X account to share an update on Doncic’s availability. He revealed, “Luka Doncic is questionable vs. Pistons tomorrow due to a right elbow sprain.” 

The Mavericks are currently positioned as the 8th seed in the Western Conference with a 35-28 record in 63 games. Considering this, having their leading scorer on the floor would be crucial in the bid to make the playoffs. Apart from Doncic, the tweet also highlighted that center Dereck Lively II would be out of the game “due to personal reasons.”

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Luka Doncic has developed quite a few injuries during this season. Just a few weeks ago, his availability was questionable after developing a nasal contusion. Before that and the All-Star Weekend, he developed left quad and right ankle injuries. The situation had gotten so dire that coach Jason Kidd had to convince the Slovenian player to take a break before getting back onto the court.

Coming into their previous game against the Miami Heat, the 5x NBA All-Star was listed as probable. However, he took the floor and registered his fifth consecutive 30-point triple-double. As a result, he contributed to the Mavericks having recovered from a three-game losing streak. If Doncic’s elbow injury doesn’t recover anytime soon, it can hinder their effort to rise through the table and attain a good seed.

As for the Detroit Pistons, they’ve had a challenging season and are currently seeded 14th in the Easter Conference with a 10-52 record. Having broken a three-game losing streak in their previous game against the Brooklyn Nets, they’d hope to continue the momentum against the Mavericks. They’ll be without shooting guard Quentin Grimes.

While his appearance in tonight’s game might not be confirmed, one thing is for certain…

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Luka Doncic is delivering his best performance during the ongoing NBA season

The Dallas Mavericks may be at a low place on the points table. None of that, however, can be supposedly attributed to Luka Doncic. The 5x NBA All-Star is delivering some of his most blazing performances this season, averaging 34.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 9.2 assists. His average has only improved over the last five games.

Thanks to his effort, the Mavericks had developed a seven-game winning streak in early February. The main concern about his three-pointers has also been addressed, with his shooting percentage having risen by 4% compared to last season. His intense form has convinced Mavericks coach Jason Kidd that the player is on track to win the MVP title.

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“I don’t think you win MVP in October, November or December,” Kidd said in a statement. “I think it’s more likely you win it in February, March, and April. And I think he’s put himself in a great position to win the MVP.” In a situation where nothing seems unstoppable for him, Luka Doncic’s brush with injuries proves to be a significant roadblock. Only time will be able to tell us whether he will manage to overcome the same.

READ MORE: “I Was So Depressed”: Fallen NFL Icon Discloses How LeBron James Gave Him a Fighting Chance

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Written by:

Ashmit Kumar

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Ashmit is an NBA Content Analyst at EssentiallySports. Having started as a writer, he specializes in writing captivating stories that include the elements of in-depth coverage of teams, players and more. Due to his knowledge of the technicalities of the sport, Ashmit writes perspective pieces that provide well-researched analysis.
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Edited by:

Saumya Khanduja