Luka Dončić Questionable for Mavericks' Matchup vs. Pelicans Amid Right Knee Contusion
Luka Dončić is questionable vs. Pelicans with a right knee contusion. Get the latest updates on his status and the Mavericks’ injury report.
DALLAS — After Luka Dončić was sidelined for Sunday’s victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder with a right knee contusion, he is considered questionable to play against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night.
Dončić last played on Saturday and recorded 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists in 28 minutes against the shorthanded San Antonio Spurs. Through 12 games played, Dončić has maintained strong production this season, averaging 29.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists. However, his efficiency has declined thus far, with shooting splits of 42.8% from the field, 32.0% from deep, and 81.0% at the free throw line.
The Slovenian superstar’s health remains important to monitor after he began the season without participating much in training camp. He was sidelined for all of the preseason due to a calf injury, and he’s dealt with various minor injuries throughout the regular season.
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Dončić felt “a little bit less” than 100% when asked about his current health status after Saturday’s game. He is confident it’ll improve, saying, “I mean, it’s probably a matter of time, just, there’s not a lot of time to rest, but I’ll get better. I promise.”
The rest of the Mavericks’ injury report has significantly lightened lately after P.J. Washington and Naji Marshall were no longer listed on Sunday. In addition to Dončić, the only player signed to the active roster listed is Danté Exum, who remains sidelined as he recovers from right wrist surgery.
The Mavericks did not practice on Monday since they were coming off a back-to-back. As a result, there was no media availability to provide further information about Dončić’s status. Although Dončić didn’t travel with the team to Oklahoma City for Sunday’s game, head coach Jason Kidd was optimistic about his status.
“I think it pertains to his right knee contusion, so we’ll see how he feels tomorrow, and hopefully, he can go on Tuesday [against the Pelicans],” Kidd said before Sunday’s game.
For context, Dončić not traveling with the team in Oklahoma City doesn’t change the situation since it was a quick trip on the second night of a back-to-back. It’s common for players not to accompany the group if they get treatment at the team facility. However, that did limit our ability to view how he looked going through a workout, meaning the best indicator of his status will simply be the team’s injury report submission on Monday, followed by a possible pre-game workout on Tuesday.
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