John Hefferon MD
2 min read • February 10, 2023
Posted in
Update: Doncic tallied 27 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists in his return to the court Saturday night. He played 41 minutes and finished 11-20 from the field and 2-9 from 3 with 6 turnovers.
Despite early optimism he would return Friday night against the Kings, Luka Doncic told reporters he likely won't play Friday but hopes to be back on the court Saturday against the Kings.
If he sits, Doncic will miss his fourth straight game since suffering a medial deltoid ligament ankle sprain.
When he returns Doncic will carry a SIC score of 91 and should play full minutes in his first game action with Irving since the blockbuster trade, according to the Pro Basketball Docs.
The 23-year-old phenom suffered a medial deltoid ankle sprain Feb. 2 against the Pelicans and did not finish the game. That injury came exactly a week after he suffered a left ankle inversion sprain against the Phoenix Suns – Kevin Durant’s new landing spot.
Doncic missed one game after the left ankle sprain and three games after the right ankle sprain and heel contusion.
If he plays Saturday, Doncic will likely look fully healthy because of his relaxed, slow-pace play style.
The last time he was in the lineup, Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith were still on the team. With those two now in Brooklyn (along with a package of picks) in exchange for Irving and veteran Markieff Morris, all eyes will be on how Irving and Doncic can mesh ahead of the playoffs.
Doncic has had the highest usage rate of his career this season (38.3%) and is averaging career highs in points (33.4), field goal percentage (50.4%) and free throw attempts (11.1).
The addition of an all-world ball handler in Irving creates an interesting opportunity for the Dallas offense to morph away from Luka ball.
This season in Brooklyn, his fourth with the team, Irving averaged 27.1 points, 5.3 assists and 5.1 rebounds on 48.6% shooting and 37.4% from 3-point range.
Dallas beat the Clippers 110-104 in Irving’s debut, improving to 2-7 on the season without Doncic.
The Mavericks are 4-point underdogs on the road in Sacramento and the over/under is 235, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Irving’s points over/under is 27.5.
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Written by John Hefferon MD
By video, #Mavs star Luka Doncic appeared to suffer an ankle injury on this dunk attempt mid-way through the third quarter His return timeline⏩bit.ly/3X2Jlwn #NBA #Mavericks #MFFL #DallasMavericks
Doncic says he probably won’t return tonight. He’s hoping for Saturday,
