Ahead of the Dallas Mavericks’ matchup against the LA Clippers on Thursday, Luka Dončić is dealing with a left heel contusion, sidelining him from the team’s two practices since returning from San Francisco.
Regarding Dončić’s status, head coach Jason Kidd stated the team will “see how he feels tomorrow” before knowing more about his chances to play. He is coming off a 45-point, 11-rebound, and 13-assist triple-double in a 143-133 victory over the Golden State Warriors.
Kidd already told reporters on Tuesday that Jaden Hardy (right ankle soreness), Danté Exum (right wrist surgery), and Brandon Williams (right thumb sprain).
Kyrie Irving practiced on Wednesday after not participating the previous day. In addition to frequently guarding Stephen Curry, Irving finished with 21 points, three rebounds, and eight assists against the Warriors.
Naji Marshall and Maxi Kleber practiced for the second consecutive day, and neither of them was mentioned on the Mavericks’ injury report provided by Kidd.
Marshall began dealing with an illness in late November, which caused him to miss the second half of their road victory over the Utah Jazz and the Mavericks’ next four games. He returned for one game against the Oklahoma City Thunder and recorded 19 points and 4 rebounds in 29 minutes but began dealing with illness again, which caused him to be sidelined Sunday against Golden State.
Marshall, averaging 11.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 21 games, is eager to return to the lineup. He feels he has gotten his conditioning back into form and is ready to make an impact for a team coming off an impressive victory.
“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 official designations for each player on the Mavericks’ injury report will be available on Wednesday evening.
