Mavericks’ Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving Headline Players Ruled Out Against Clippers

The Dallas Mavericks will be without Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving when they face the LA Clippers on Thursday night.

Dončić remains sidelined with a left heel contusion that has kept him out since Sunday’s win over the Golden State Warriors, where he recorded a 45-point, 11-rebound, 13-assist triple-double. Irving, who had been listed as questionable with right shoulder soreness, has also been ruled out.

The Mavericks will be eager to regain their superstar talents when they are cleared to play. Dončić has averaged 28.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists this season, while Irving has averaged 23.9 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds.

The Mavericks (12-2 in their last 14 games) are also missing Jaden Hardy (right ankle sprain), Danté Exum (right wrist surgery), and Brandon Williams (right thumb sprain). Head coach Jason Kidd said the team would rely on a “next man up” mentality.

“Next man up. That’s the mentality,” Kidd said. “Two new starters, and we’ll try to find a way to win the game. Injuries are a part of it. Stay in your role, rebound the ball, make the extra pass, and do the things that we’ve asked up to this point.”

The Clippers (15-12) are coming off a dominant 144-107 win over the Utah Jazz, powered by James Harden’s 41-point performance. Former Mavericks forward Derrick Jones Jr., who has recovered from a right hamstring strain, will play. However, Los Angeles remains without Kawhi Leonard (right knee injury recovery) and Terance Mann (left middle finger fracture).

On the Mavericks’ side, Naji Marshall and Maxi Kleber have been cleared to play after practicing for the second straight day. Marshall, who missed multiple games due to illness, is eager to return.

“It’s been eight days, so I feel good,” Marshall said. “I’ve got my legs back under me. It was just a little bit of time off, but I’m good now. I’m back and feeling better.”

The Mavericks will also look to Olivier-Maxence Prosper to step into a more significant role.

“O-Max has been patient, but now he gets the opportunity to play,” Kidd said. “We believe we have enough to win.”

The Mavericks, who started the season 5-7, will try to maintain their momentum despite the absences of Dončić and Irving.