Luka Doncic to miss third straight game with ankle and knee injuries

The Dallas Mavericks will be without superstar Luka Doncic for the third straight game on Nov. 21 as they battle the rival LA Clippers. Doncic was injured on Monday night against the Nuggets when Austin Rivers rolled up on him as the 22-year-old contested a shot at the rim.

Things did not look good, but Luka continues to improve. His status has been upgraded each game before eventually being ruled out. Doncic was questionable heading into Sunday’s game but was just not healthy enough to face the Clippers.

Fans know he wanted to play. The revenge factor against LA is part of the equation, but the Nov. 21 contest also took place in primetime in his home country of Slovenia. LD loves to put on a show for his fans back home, and the 22-year-old is upset he was not healthy enough to perform. Here is a look at how the Mavs will adjust without their superstar.

Luka Doncic out vs. Clippers: How will Mavericks adjust

Head coach Jason Kidd will keep the same starting five with Jalen Brunson replacing Luka. The Mavs need him to do a better job running the offense late in games after Dallas was up entering the fourth quarter in both games in Phoenix before falling to the Suns. They also must have Trey Burke and Frank Ntilikina handling the ball and making plays in the second unit.

The Mavericks need to shut down Paul George and Reggie Jackson if they are going to top the Clippers without Luka. Head coach Tyronn Lue will have the perfect game plan cooked up to stop Dallas, so the Mavs defense is the key on Sunday afternoon. If they can limit George and Jackson, they have a shot at pulling the upset.

This is the first of a two-game set between the teams. They will lock horns again on Tuesday night at the Staples Center, and Luka Doncic could be back in action for that contest. Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest on his injury and everything fans crave about the Dallas Mavericks.