Luka Doncic clears protocols: Mavericks get reinforcements to face Thunder

The Dallas Mavericks have been dealing with a massive COVID outbreak that has seen ten players enter the health and safety protocols over the last two weeks, but they are finally getting through it. According to Marc Stein, superstar Luka Doncic cleared protocols on Jan. 1 and will meet the team in Oklahoma City for Sunday’s game.

Josh Green and Reggie Bullock have already entered and exited the protocols, but Dallas had eight players out in their New Year’s Eve win over the Kings. It was just the Mavericks' third victory in the last eight games, and the team has struggled with half of their regular rotation on the sidelines, but reinforcements are on the way.

Tim MacMahon report that Tim Hardaway Jr. and Maxi Kleber could join Doncic in clearing protocols and joining the team in Oklahoma City. Here is a look at what to expect and why fans should throw a bit of cold water on Luka playing against the Thunder.

Luka Doncic clears protocols as Dallas Mavericks get reinforcements to face Thunder

The Mavs sat both Josh Green and Reggie Bullock in the first game after they cleared protocols because the team wanted to make sure their conditioning was up to par.

They will be extra cautious with superstar Luka Doncic. The 22-year-old has not played since Dec. 10 as he missed time with an ankle injury before entering the protocols. Dallas will make sure he is 100 percent and ready to handle a massive workload before putting him back on the floor.

The Mavericks also have a back-to-back on Sunday and Monday. They play the Thunder in Oklahoma City before hosting the Denver Nuggets. Dallas will want Doncic to play at the American Airlines Center, which could mean holding him out in Oklahoma City.

The positive news is the Dallas Mavericks are finally getting over their COVID outbreak. Luka Doncic, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Maxi Kleber will be back in the lineup soon as the team looks to push their way back into the top six in the Western Conference. Stay tuned because the Mavs best basketball is still yet to come.