Dallas Mavericks battle without Luka Dončić, sidelined by a wrist sprain against the Utah Jazz. What’s the latest before facing the Portland Trail Blazers?
SALT LAKE CITY — The Dallas Mavericks faced the Utah Jaz on Saturday night without Luka Dončić in the lineup. He was ruled out for the fifth consecutive game due to a right wrist sprain. His next chance to return to the lineup will be against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, marking the second night of a back-to-back.
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While Dončić didn’t play in Utah, he is progressing toward a return to the Mavericks’ lineup. He went through a pre-game workout before Wednesday’s victory over the New York Knicks, then participated in Friday’s practice—including 5-on-5 action. He was listed as doubtful on the injury report before Saturday’s game.
Dončić is Progressing
Dončić’s return-to-competition momentum has continued as he went through a pre-game workout at Delta Center. It’s certainly a favorable indicator that he’s on the road trip altogether, considering he didn’t travel on the Mavericks’ recent three-game trip that spanned Denver, Miami, and Atlanta.
In 14 games played, Dončić has averaged 28.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.6 assists this season. Entering Saturday’s game, the Mavericks had gone 4-1 when he wasn’t in the lineup, significantly improving over previous seasons in that situation.
The Mavericks continue to lean on the leadership and impact of Kyrie Irving when Dončić doesn’t play. Before his performance against Utah, Irving averaged 24.8 points, 6.0 assists, and 5.0 rebounds in five games without Dončić. With a balanced scoring attack, Dallas has managed to stay afloat and rack up wins despite being without their top player.
Other Mavericks Injury Updates
It remains to be seen when Klay Thompson will return to the lineup after missing his third consecutive game. He was not seated on the bench against the Jazz, indicating he potentially did not travel to Salt Lake City. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd did not express concern when discussing the injury after Friday’s practice.
Kidd said the injury is not believed to be lingering, saying, “Not that I know of. This is the first that his foot has been bothering him.” Thompson did get some shots up after the team was done practicing.
Danté Exum continues his long-term recovery from right wrist surgery. A clear timetable for his return has not been communicated yet.
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