Mavericks Rule Out Luka Dončić, List Kyrie Irving as Questionable on Injury Report Against Clippers
The Dallas Mavericks will be without Luka Dončić when they take on the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night. The superstar guard has been ruled out due to a left heel contusion that has sidelined him since Sunday’s win over the Golden State Warriors, where he recorded a 45-point, 11-rebound, and 13-assist triple-double.
Kyrie Irving, who practiced Wednesday after missing the previous day, is listed as questionable with right shoulder soreness. Irving’s availability could be critical for Dallas without Dončić in the backcourt.
Irving scored 21 points, eight assists, and three rebounds in the Mavericks’ 143-133 victory over the Warriors. A potentially encouraging sign about Irving’s status was that he put in extra work after practice at the team facility on Wednesday.
In addition to Dončić, Dallas will also be without Jaden Hardy (right ankle sprain), Danté Exum (right wrist surgery), and Brandon Williams (right thumb sprain). The absences leave head coach Jason Kidd with limited options against a Clippers team riding high after a 144-107 win over the Utah Jazz.
On a positive note, Naji Marshall and Maxi Kleber practiced for the second straight day and are ready to play. Marshall, who has missed multiple games due to illness, is eager to return to action and is no longer on the injury report.
“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, now 12-2 after a sluggish 5-7 start to the season, will look to continue their momentum despite Dončić’s absence. They’ll face a Clippers squad led by James Harden, who exploded for 41 points in the team’s most recent win.
Former Mavericks forward Derrick Jones Jr. is “ahead of schedule” in his recovery from a right hamstring strain and is questionable to play. However, Kawhi Leonard (right knee injury recovery) and Terance Mann. (left middle finger fracture) headline the list of inactive players for the Clippers.
