Mavericks Rule Out Luka Dončić Against Clippers, Kyrie Irving to Return
The Dallas Mavericks have ruled Luka Dončić out for Saturday’s rematch against the LA Clippers. Kyrie Irving is no longer listed on the injury report and is expected to return. Dončić missed Thursday’s 118-95 loss due to a left heel contusion and has been sidelined for multiple practices this week.
Dončić has averaged 28.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists this season, including a standout triple-double performance against the Warriors before his injury. He’s dealt with various injuries that have caused him to miss what will be his eighth game of the season when he sits out against the Clippers.
When describing Dončić’s activity level at Friday’s practice, head coach Jason Kidd stated that Dončić “did court work today.” However, there was a distinction between Irving, who “went through practice.” The Slovenian superstar is progressing since he got some shots up after being sidelined earlier this week for two practices leading into Thursday’s game.
Irving, recovering from right shoulder soreness, also missed Thursday’s game but participated fully in Friday’s practice. He is averaging 23.9 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds this season and will be needed to step into an even more significant role with Dončić unable to play. Dallas has gone 5-1 when Irving plays, but Dončić is sidelined, providing optimism about the team’s outlook.
With Dončić and Irving unavailable on Thursday, the Mavericks leaned heavily on their depth. Still, offensive struggles resulted in a season-low 95 points, ending their franchise-record streak of 26 games with 100+ points. Klay Thompson led Dallas with 22 points, while Spencer Dinwiddie added 19 points and seven assists. However, the team shot 39.5% from the field, including 23.3% from beyond the arc.
In addition to Dončić, the Mavericks remain without Jaden Hardy (right ankle sprain), Danté Exum (right wrist surgery), and Brandon Williams (right thumb sprain). Hardy continues to get in reps on the practice court, suggesting progress in the return to competition process.
Tipoff for Saturday’s game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT at American Airlines Center.
