Mavericks need Luka Doncic now more than ever

The Dallas Mavericks have lost three straight games without superstar Luka Doncic after falling to the LA Clippers on Sunday afternoon. During that stretch, the Mavs have shot 41.3 percent from the field and have a net rating of negative-6.6. They have scored under 100 points in two of three games and have slipped from third to fifth in the Western Conference.

Luka is dealing with knee and ankle sprains after getting rolled up on by Nuggets guard Austin Rivers in the final minute of a win of Nov. 15. The 22-year-old continues to improve. He was a game-time decision on Sunday before being ruled out just before tipoff.

The Mavs need Doncic back in the lineup now more than ever. Here is a look at three reasons why the 22-year-old superstar’s return could spark a significant win streak for Dallas.

Dallas Mavericks need Luka Doncic back in the lineup as schedule softens

The Mavs stay in Los Angeles to face the Clippers again on Tuesday in a key game in the standings. It is the second of four meetings this season and could play a key role in determining seeding tiebreaks for the playoffs. Dallas would love to have Doncic back to face the rival Clippers.

Following Tuesday’s contest, the Mavericks have a break until Saturday, which starts a stretch where Dallas plays eight of the next 13 games against teams .500 or worse. Dominating that stretch with Luka back in the lineup will have the Mavs back near the top of the conference, but that is far from the only reason they need him on the court.