Luka Doncic remains out: Mavericks injuries mount ahead of clash with Spurs
By Tyler Watts
Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic will miss his third straight game on Wednesday evening against the San Antonio Spurs with a left thigh strain. The 24-year-old re-injured it on March 8, and he has been unable to play since. The team did not offer an update on Tuesday, but the hope is he will return on Friday night against the Lakers in Los Angeles.
The injuries are piling up for the Mavericks as their struggles continue. Dallas has lost three straight and nine of their last 12 games, and there appears no end in sight. They need to get healthy if they want to qualify for the postseason and make a run.
Dallas listed three key pieces as questionable ahead of Wednesday’s clash against the rebuilding Spurs. The Mavericks need every option after San Antonio just upset the Nuggets on Friday night. Here is a look at the latest and what fans should expect on March 15.
Luka Doncic remains out: Mavericks injuries mount ahead of clash with Spurs
Kyrie Irving was upgraded to questionable after missing the last two games with a foot injury. The eight-time All-Star was questionable for both of those games before being ruled out just hours before tipoff. It is truly up in the air if Irving will return in San Antonio on Wednesday night.
Christian Wood and Tim Hardaway Jr. are both listed as questionable as well. Wood missed Monday’s loss to the Grizzlies with foot soreness, and he remains 50-50 to face the Spurs. Hardaway Jr. got kicked in the calf on March 13 but stayed in the game. He is the most likely Maverick to play on Wednesday night.
If Dallas is down four key rotation pieces, others will have to step. Jaden Hardy has showcased his ability to score since entering the starting lineup, but he is not capable of leading a team to victory as a rookie. The Mavs will need their role players to hit shots and increase their production to snap their three-game skid.
Stay tuned for updates as they become available. Without Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Dallas Mavericks have struggled, but they could quickly turn things around if their superstar duo gets healthy. Can both return quickly and bring the Mavs back? It is something to watch closely down the stretch.