Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic (elbow) out vs. Pistons

The Dallas Mavericks have won four of their last five games and 11 of 17 to climb to sixth in the Western Conference. Superstar Luka Doncic is fresh off an unbelievable 39-point performance against the Warriors on Tuesday night. Expect him to continue his incredible play down the stretch as he attempts to pilot the Mavs to avoiding the play-in tournament.

The organization is trying to find ways to rest their superstar too. They want him healthy and playing his best in the playoffs. The Mavericks are currently in a stretch of eight games in 12 days. Their backload schedule was spurred by postponements in the first half of the season. Dallas wants to win every game, while finding a way to keep their superstar fresh.

The Mavs are going to rest Luka on Thursday night in Detroit. Let us take a closer look at why and who must step up for Dallas with their star on the sidelines.

Luka Doncic out vs. Pistons: Who steps up for the Dallas Mavericks?

Detroit is playing without six players including their leading scorer Jerami Grant on April 29. The Pistons are lottery-bound and looking to keep everyone healthy long-term. They have no reason to risk any player dealing with a nagging ailment. Detroit being without multiple players opened the door for Dallas to rest Doncic and fellow starter Dorian Finney-Smith.

It was listed as an elbow contusion, but fans should not worry about the 22-year-old. Doncic is getting a breather amid this jam-packed slate. The Mavericks are facing a key back-to-back this weekend before playing four more times next week. Dallas has 11 games remaining on their schedule over the next 18 days. There is little time to rest, so the Mavs took the chance to give Doncic the night off.

Expect Jalen Brunson to start at point guard. He will be running the offense and making plays on Thursday night. Dallas needs everyone to score a few more to make up for Luka’s 28.6 points per game.

The Dallas Mavericks will give an added opportunity to multiple players on April 29. Fans should tune in and see who steps up without Luka Doncic on the floor. Stay tuned for all the latest on the Mavs at The Smoking Cuban. Supporters will not want to miss it.