Mavericks: Clippers will be without key defender on Luka Doncic in Game 2

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic won’t have Patrick Beverley guarding him in Game 2

The Dallas Mavericks dropped game one of their first-round playoff series against the LA Clippers. Luka Doncic set a new record for points in a postseason debut with 42, but the Clippers still won by eight.

Defending Luka is one of the storylines of the series. LA has three of the best wing options in the league. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are bonafide superstars and elite defenders. Patrick Beverley makes life difficult on any opposing guard too.

The Clippers will be forced to switch it up in game two, though. Let us take a look at the latest.

Clippers guard Patrick Beverley out in Game 2: Who steps up to defend Luka Doncic?

Clippers coach Doc Rivers announced that Patrick Beverley would miss game two with a calf injury. He had this to say about the injury during his pregame press conference courtesy of Brad Townsend.

Beverley missed the final five seeding games too. The 32-year-old was limited to 20 minutes in game one as a precaution. He could miss more time, so stay tuned for all the latest.

Doncic lit Beverley up in game one. He was four of four from the field with 10 points in just over a minute when guarded by the 32-year-old.

The Clippers threw 11 players at Luka in the series opener. No player spent more time on him than Marcus Morris Sr. He had the most success guarding Doncic too. Expect Doc Rivers to lean on that matchup more in game two. Kawhi and PG13 will also get plenty of chances on the Mavericks superstar.

Patrick Beverley’s injury means more minutes for Lou Williams, Landry Shamet, and Reggie Jackson. All three guards are more known for their offense. That could help the Mavs incredible offense get a few easy buckets in game two.

Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest from the series plus everything you desire on the Dallas Mavericks.