Dallas MavericksLuka DončićMinnesota TimberwolvesNBA

Mavericks Rule Out Luka Dončić for Second Half Against Timberwolves After Calf Strain

Luka Dončić, Dallas Mavericks, NBA
Rashad Miller/DallasHoopsJournal.com

The Dallas Mavericks played the second half of their Christmas Day matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves without Luka Dončić. He suffered a left calf strain late in the second quarter, ending his night early.

Dončić suffered a non-contact injury after trying to explode to reach the rim. He immediately felt discomfort after planting his left foot. His performance ended after he recorded 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in 16 minutes.

The Slovenian superstar has been affected by injuries throughout the season. He recently returned from a two-game absence caused by a left heel contusion. He was sidelined for five games with a right wrist sprain and missed one with a right knee contusion.

The severity of Dončić’s injury remains unclear as the Mavericks begin a four-game road trip on Friday. Kyrie Irving recently expressed that the Mavericks’ success should make it to where Dončić shouldn’t feel compelled to rush back from injuries too soon. The team has gone 6-2 when playing a full game without Dončić but has only lost once when Irving is also in the lineup.

“If the team isn’t doing well when you’re out, you rush back, even if injured,” Irving said after Monday’s game. “That’s part of the business we don’t discuss. I appreciate the staff and Luka staying involved.”

The first half of this stretch involves a back-to-back with a stop against the Phoenix Suns, followed by facing the Portland Trail Blazers.

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Grant Afseth

Grant Afseth

Senior Writer
Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.