Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic dealing with knee strain

Dallas Mavericks rookie Luka Doncic injured his knee against the Rockets and is questionable for the March 12 game versus the San Antonio Spurs.

Dallas Mavericks fans were holding their breath during Sunday’s game against the Houston Rockets. Mavs star Luka Doncic was having a stellar game including setting a career-high in rebounds when he came up limping in the fourth quarter. He went to the bench with under five minutes to go in a close game, and fans feared the worst.

Luckily, Doncic was able to return and finished the game. The evening did not conclude as planned, though. The Mavericks fell to the Rockets 94-93 on their home floor. They had a shot to win on the final play, but Houston forced the ball out of Luka’s hands. Jalen Brunson ultimately could not covert the final shot resulting in the Mavs fifth consecutive loss.

Luka still feeling it

Mavericks supporters thought they were out of the woods on Luka Doncic’s injury, but that is not the case. The rookie missed practice on Monday. Brad Townsend shared the latest info in the following Tweet.

With Dallas eliminated from playoff contention, they have no reasons to play Luka unless he is 100 percent healthy. That does not bode well for his chances of suiting up on March 12 against the Spurs. Doncic’s long-term health should be the primary focus at this juncture, though.

It will be a shame if Luka is out for either of the next two games. The Mavericks play two straight national TV games this week. Both are featured on TNT. They face the Spurs on Tuesday before traveling to Denver to battle the Nuggets on Thursday. Doncic usually proves a bit of added flair in national TV games.

Final thoughts

Dallas Mavericks building block Luka Doncic is dealing with a left knee strain and is questionable to face the San Antonio Spurs on March 12. Expect the Mavs to be extremely cautious with their young star. Fans should check on his status at tipoff approaches this evening.

Luka missing any time would create a massive hole in the Mavericks rotation. Justin Jackson and Devin Harris would be forced into more minutes. The shot attempts would likely fall to Tim Hardaway Jr. and Brunson, though. It would not be a welcomed sight for the Mavs or their fans, so let us all wish for the best for the 20-year-old sensation.