Is Luka Doncic playing tonight against Grizzlies? Latest injury update on Mavericks’ star ahead of matchup (20th March 2023)
The Dallas Mavericks have upgraded Luka Doncic to questionable for tonight’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies. “Luka Legend” complained about not being able to “push off” with his leg in the Mavericks’ 113-106 loss to OKC Thunder.
Dallas training staff severely tied Doncic’s left leg during a timeout from Jason Kidd. Throughout the game, you could see him grimacing in pain.
The Dallas Mavericks promptly shut him down despite being in the midst of a heated race for at least one play-in spot. Doncic has missed four games in a row but has made some progress as his availability has improved to something iffy rather than being ruled out.
The Mavericks went 2-2 during Doncic’s recent unavailability. They lost back-to-back games to the Memphis Grizzlies on March 11 and 13 but scraped against the modest San Antonio Spurs last Wednesday.
Dallas also pulled off a morale-boosting win over the LA Lakers on Friday. Kyrie Irving, who was questionable in that game, played and carried the Mavericks to victory.
But it was Maxi Kleber’s clutch shooting, including an incredible three-pointer shoot over Anthony Davis, that propelled her to victory.
The Mavs lost their last two games to the Mavericks, who also didn’t have Ja Morant in those games. “G12” was ruled out to improve his conditioning but Memphis will be the favorite if Doncic wears street clothes tonight.
Also read: Luka Doncic is the first player in NBA history to have 95 points, 20 rebounds and 20 assists in two games
What status does Luka Doncic have against the Memphis Grizzlies tonight?
Luka Doncic was reportedly last a full participant in Dallas Mavericks practice. Development forced the team to change its status from automatically out to questionable. Doncic has moved well in training and hasn’t suffered any setbacks after playing against teammates.
The Slovenian basketball superstar is likely to be a game decider. Dallas doctors will be monitoring him closely during the shootaround and pre-game warm-up this morning.
It is unclear whether “Luka Magic” will play tonight. The Mavericks could give him more time by pausing him for one more game and returning on March 22 against the Golden State Warriors.
What influence does Luka Doncic have on the Dallas Mavericks?
Kyrie Irving is a superstar, but the Dallas Mavericks will only go as far as Luka Doncic can carry them. While Irving hasn’t proven himself capable of running his own franchise, Doncic has found success in that role.
“Luka Legend” is arguably the Mavs’ best player whose performance will determine Dallas’ playoff bid.
Doncic leads the Mavericks in points (33.0 PPG), rebounds (8.6 RPG), assists (8.0 APG), and steals (1.5) in 57 games. He also hits a career-high 50.0% of his field goals, including 34.90% from behind the arch.
Dallas’ success is built on Doncic’s health and performance.
You might also like to read: When Luka Doncic flirted with referee Ashley Moyer-Gleich on the pitch: “[I’m] falling in love with you”
Edited by
Michael Macasero