Luka Doncic (ankle) to miss Dallas Mavericks rematch against Blazers in Portland

The Dallas Mavericks will be shorthanded for Sunday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers as superstar Luka Doncic is one of five players sitting out. Dallas lost a shootout in Portland on Saturday night as Doncic had arguably his worst game of the season. Doncic scored just 15 points on six of 17 shooting from the field, including missing all five of his 3-point attempts and going one of six from the free throw line.

He looked worn out after the heroics he was forced to perform in the Mavericks' double-overtime win over the Lakers on Thursday night, so the team will sit him on the second night of a back-to-back set. It will be Luka’s fifth missed game of the season, and he was officially ruled out with an ankle injury.

What should fans expect on Sunday night without Luka Doncic? He is one of five players on the sidelines, so Dallas will be shorthanded. Can they pick up their first win of the season without number 77? Here is a look at who needs to step up at the Moda Center on Jan. 15.

Luka Doncic (ankle) to miss Dallas Mavericks rematch against Blazers in Portland

Tim Hardaway Jr. injured his ankle in Saturday’s game, and he joins Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber, and Josh Green on the sidelines. Christian Wood missed Saturday's game after suffering an ankle injury in the win over the Lakers, but he set to return on Sunday night. With Luka out on Sunday night, the Mavericks will need somebody to step up as the leading scorer.

Spencer Dinwiddie and Christian Wood will share the primary role, but Jaden Hardy will be the leading scorer in the second unit. The 20-year-old rookie is aggressive, and he has zero fear when attacking the basket. Can Hardy put on a show in Portland? He will get plenty of opportunities.

The Dallas Mavericks wrap up a five-game road trip on Sunday in Portland before having two full days ahead of Wednesday’s contest against the Atlanta Hawks that starts a four-game homestand. Expect Luka Doncic to be back in the lineup and locked in against Trae Young and company, so do not miss it.