Mavericks Injury Updates: Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving, and Danté Exum Progressing in Recovery
The Dallas Mavericks remain shorthanded as they prepare for Sunday’s matchup against the Denver Nuggets. Luka Dončić (left calf strain), Kyrie Irving (lumbar back sprain), and Danté Exum (right wrist surgery) are all unavailable. Coming off a thrilling 117-111 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, the Mavs will seek to extend their winning streak to three straight games.
There were new developments about the Mavericks’ injuries, with Dončić and Irving appearing on the court in various capacities. While Exum was not on the floor during the open viewing portion of practice, there is a new development regarding his ongoing recovery.
Kyrie Irving is ‘Trending up’
Irving’s progress has been encouraging, as the star guard has ramped up his on-court work over the past few days. Following Saturday’s practice, Irving was seen doing spot-shooting drills alongside teammates Jaden Hardy and Olivier-Maxence Prosper.
“He’s in a good place. He’s trending up,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said about Irving on Saturday. “Energy-wise, he feels good. He’s been doing some court work over the past few days, and he did some shooting today. He’s moving in the right direction, so hopefully, we get him back soon.”
Luka Dončić Showing Positive Signs
Dončić was seen doing light spot shooting without jumping, a positive sign that he can put some pressure on his left calf. However, Kidd emphasized that plenty of steps are needed before a clear timetable for his return can be established.
“Yes, it’s great to see him doing the spot shooting,” Kidd added. “He’s working extremely hard on the floor and off the floor, so it’s good to see him on the floor shooting.”
Dončić will have missed 17 games once Sunday’s game tips off and continues to work toward a return. Kidd acknowledged the challenges of the NBA’s 65-game rule for awards eligibility but stressed the importance of prioritizing Dončić’s health.
“Yeah, I think that’s just part of the nature right now with the way the rules are set up to 65 games,” Kidd explained. “And when you have a severe injury, it can knock you out of that. But the best player is always mentioned as an MVP candidate. So, our thinking is, hopefully, he gets healthy sooner than later, and then we can get him back on the floor.”
Danté Exum Making Steady Progress
Exum is advancing well in rehab following wrist surgery but is still awaiting clearance for contact work. Kidd highlighted Exum’s steps and his progress during solo workouts to regain rhythm in his right hand.
“He’s trending too. He’s doing a great job with his rehab,” Kidd said about Exum. “I think he’s out to the three-point line shooting now, so a lot of positives there. And then it’s just a matter of getting the scheduled appointment to check to see how the wrist is doing and then go from there. But he’s in great shape. He’s done a lot of solo workouts.
Exum has not played since suffering a wrist injury in training camp. Kidd sees Exum’s excitement about returning to competition soon.
“I think he’s excited to test the wrist out when he’s cleared to be able to do that,” Kidd said.
Adjusting Without Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving
The Mavericks have adapted without their two stars after initially struggling to score points, finding new ways to compete and grow as a team. Naji Marshall reflected on the opportunities for development during this period, while having the necessary talent to still win games by trusting their talent.
“It’s understanding each other,” Marshall said. “I think we all realize that we’re all pretty good basketball players at this point. Not everybody is fortunate to have that many consistent, good role players. I think that also gives confidence in each other to make the right play. On the defensive end, you can press them to the ball, knowing somebody has your help on the backside. It’s just been really good for us.”
Dinwiddie has embraced his responsibilities as the lead playmaker and has often orchestrated the offense during this stretch. Marshall praised Dinwiddie’s leadership and ability to keep the team competitive.
“He’s been incredible for us,” Marshall added. “He’s picking up the slack as the point guard and really helping us stay in games. Whether it’s scoring, playmaking, or just being a vocal leader, Spencer’s been that steady presence we’ve needed.”
Whether it’s Marshall, Grimes, Dinwiddie, or Hardy, the Mavericks have needed players to create offensive advantages from pick-and-rolls and handoffs. While Dončić and Irving often handled that, Marshall praised the group’s handling of those actions in their absence and the coaching staff for giving them the confidence to get the job done.
“Just everyone, whether it’s playing out of pick-and-roll or handoffs, just confidence,” Marshall said. “Usually, we’re led by two superstars in Kyrie and Luka, so kind of just feeding off those guys, but right now, unfortunately, we don’t have them. So guys got to show their real game and just play out there. The coaches have been giving us confidence to go out there and play free, and I think that’s what we’re doing.”
Marshall is eager to see what the Mavericks will look like when they re-induct Dončić and Irving. He sees “unbelievable” potential ahead.
“Definitely big,” he said. “Especially seeing us grow as players, so when they get back, we’re just thinking of the sky being the limit for all. Man, it’s unbelievable.”
Looking Ahead
With their recent momentum, the Mavericks hope to maintain their level of play against the Nuggets. Kidd emphasized the importance of consistency as the team awaits the return of their stars.
“We’ve set the bar, and we have to stay there. That’s the hard part—being consistent,” Kidd said. “And those two stars, once they are healthy, they have to join. It’s not the other way around. Hopefully, those guys get back healthy, and we can maintain this level of play.”
Dallas faces Denver at 2 p.m. CT on Sunday. The team is looking to extend its two-game winning streak and build on the strides made by its supporting cast.
