Mavericks news: Luka Doncic 2nd in Christmas Day ranks, Mavs among most watched, more

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic continues to make his case for being the best player on the planet as he exploded for 50 points to lift his shorthanded team over the Rockets on Friday night. The 23-year-old will get a chance to further his case as the Mavs face LeBron James and the Lakers on Christmas Day in Dallas.

The NBA has a massive five-game slate on the holiday featuring five cannot miss matchups. The Sixers face the Knicks to kick things off before Dallas hosts the Lakers. Milwaukee versus Boston, the Grizzlies taking on the defending champion Warriors, and the Suns facing the Nuggets wrap up the Christmas Day festivities. It will be a much-talked-about day of basketball, and it created the perfect opportunity for a top 25 list.

ESPN released the 25 best players suiting up on Christmas Day, which meant Stephen Curry and Anthony Davis were left off the list. Doncic ranked second behind Giannis Antetokounmpo on ESPN’s list. Christian Wood was the only other Maverick, and he finished 25th.

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Marc Stein wrote about the most popular teams on League Pass outside the United States in his latest column where he noted that the Mavericks rank fourth behind the Warriors, Lakers, and Celtics.

Dirk Nowitzki’s statue will be unveiled before Sunday’s game. Fans need to get out to the American Airlines Center to check it out as soon as possible.

NBA news

Injuries again stole the headlines on Christmas Eve as it was announced that Stephen Curry would miss at least two more weeks with his shoulder injury. Golden State is just 1-3 in the four games that he has missed so far, and the defending champions currently sit 11th in the Western Conference on Christmas morning. They need to get their superstar back ASAP if they plan on making another deep playoff run.

Domantas Sabonis suffered a hand injury in Friday’s game that needs further evaluation. He has been a key piece for the surprising Kings, so this is an injury to keep an eye on. Sabonis could miss extended time.

The Dallas Mavericks versus Lakers on Christmas Day will be among the most watched games, which likely means another Luka Doncic masterpiece is on the horizon. Number 77 is 0-2 on Christmas so far, and he will be hungry for his first holiday win, so do not miss it.