Luka Doncic out for Mavericks Christmas Day game vs. Jazz

The Dallas Mavericks are playing on Christmas Day because of Luka Doncic. The 22-year-old’s star power lifts the organization to another level and immediately makes them a playoff team. Doncic is that good.

Dallas drew the Christmas day nightcap in Utah against the Jazz this year. Donovan Mitchell and company had the best record in the Western Conference last season before being knocked out in the second round of the playoffs by the LA Clippers. The Jazz are 22-9 so far this season and present a difficult test for the Mavericks.

The Mavs are being hit hard by COVID-19 leading into their Christmas day game. Superstar Luka Doncic entered the health and safety protocols on Dec. 22, and he is one of seven players sidelined at the moment. According to Marc Stein, Luka is out on Christmas Day because he was unable to travel with the team to Salt Lake City. Here is a look at why fans should still watch the game.

Luka Doncic to miss Mavericks vs. Jazz on Christmas: Why fans should still watch

The Mavs have signed six replacement players since last weekend, and the newcomers provide a spark. They are playing hard and making life difficult for opponents. Theo Pinson, Marquese Chriss, George King, Carlik Jones, and Brandon Knight all earned minutes in the team’s loss to the Bucks on Thursday night. Charlie Brown Jr. could crack the rotation on Christmas day as Dallas has just five regulars in the lineup right now.

Kristaps Porzingis could make it six if he returns from injury on Saturday. Consider the Unicorn questionable because of a toe ailment.

Fans should tune in to watch Jalen Brunson taking his game to the next level. The 25-year-old has been phenomenal as the starting point guard as Luka Doncic will miss his seventh consecutive game. Dorian Finney-Smith is also playing well as the shorthanded Dallas Mavericks remain competitive.

Doncic will not play on Dec. 25, but the Mavs will be ready for a battle against the Utah Jazz. It will be the perfect cap to all your Christmas Day festivities, so do not miss it.