Luka Doncic upgraded to questionable: Could return in Mavericks vs Pistons

The Dallas Mavericks feared for the worst as Luka Doncic injured his ankle on Thursday night in Phoenix. Spencer Dinwiddie led the team to victory, but Doncic had the first scoreless game of his career as he exited after just over three minutes with a sprained ankle. The injury forced Luka to miss Saturday’s game in Utah, but he is closer to returning.

Doncic was upgraded to questionable ahead of Monday’s game against the Detroit Pistons, which puts his odds at about 50-50 to play. The Mavericks are back home, and fans know number 77 wants to be out there. The team will be cautious, though. They need Luka healthy for the stretch run, and the Mavs have an extra day of rest before playing on Thursday night versus the Pelicans.

Getting upgraded to questionable on the day before the game is progress, but Doncic could still miss Monday’s contest. The Pistons are just 2-8 in their last ten games, and they have the second-worst record in the NBA. Can the Mavs win without Luka? They might not have to, but the answer could factor into the team’s decision to play number 77 on Jan. 30.

Luka Doncic upgraded to questionable: Could return in Mavericks vs Pistons

The Mavs are 0-6 without Luka this season, including Saturday’s loss to the Jazz. They need him back in the lineup as soon as possible to run the team’s offense and make plays. Spencer Dinwiddie carried an unsustainable workload on Saturday night in Salt Lake City, and the Mavericks would love to lighten it with the return of Doncic on Monday evening.

The Dallas Mavericks will likely make Luka Doncic a game-time decision on Jan. 30. They have zero reasons to tell the Pistons if he is going to play until just before tipoff. The decision will depend on how the 23-year-old feel, and if the team believes the extra rest will help him long-term.

Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for the latest on Luka Doncic and his ankle injury, plus all the news, opinions, and analysis Dallas Mavericks fans crave.