Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic is set to miss at least a week after suffering a right wrist strain during the team’s dominant 132-91 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, ESPN reports.
The injury occurred in the first quarter, but Doncic continued to play, downplaying its severity. However, further examination on Wednesday confirmed the strain, sidelining him for crucial games ahead.
The Mavericks will be without Doncic for their upcoming three-game road trip, which starts with a challenging matchup against the Denver Nuggets on Friday.
He is also expected to miss Dallas’ home game against the New York Knicks next Wednesday. This absence comes at a pivotal time as the Mavericks work to build on their recent momentum following a slow start to the season.
Dallas began the season sluggishly, posting a 5-7 record through their first 12 games. However, they have since turned things around, winning three straight, including Tuesday’s victory over New Orleans.
With Doncic at the helm, the Mavericks have shown flashes of the form that carried them to last season’s NBA Finals. Losing their star player, even briefly, could disrupt that progress.
Doncic’s performance this season has been solid, though slightly below his usual high standards. He is averaging 28.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game while shooting 43.5% from the field and 32.4% from beyond the arc.
These numbers mark a decline from his previous two seasons, where he averaged 33.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game with superior shooting percentages.
The strain on Doncic’s wrist is the latest challenge in a season of adjustments for the Mavericks. The team underwent significant changes during the offseason, acquiring sharpshooter Klay Thompson in a high-profile sign-and-trade deal with the Golden State Warriors. This move was aimed at bolstering their chances of building on last season’s Finals run, their first since 2011.
Without Doncic, Dallas will rely heavily on their supporting cast, including new addition Thompson, guard Kyrie Irving, and forward Grant Williams. The team’s depth and adaptability will be put to the test as they aim to extend their winning streak and stay competitive in the Western Conference.
The Mavericks’ coaching staff will closely monitor Doncic’s recovery, hoping he can return quickly without risking further injury. His absence is a critical juncture for the team, but it may also serve as an opportunity for others to step up and solidify their roles as Dallas navigates a challenging stretch.
As the Mavericks continue their pursuit of another deep playoff run, the coming week will reveal much about their resolve and capacity to weather adversity.
