Luka Doncic’s Availability Brought into Question for Mavericks-Timberwolves Game 1

Luka Doncic's Availability Brought into Question for Mavericks-Timberwolves Game 1

The Dallas Mavericks will face an uphill task tonight in the first game of the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Mavs would look to take an early lead in the series as the Timberwolves have proven to be deadly in clutch situations. However, Luka Doncic‘s addition to the injury report will concern Dallas fans.

The superstar guard has been listed in the NBA’s pre-game injury report as ‘Probable’. He is still nursing a sprain in his right knee and also dealing with left ankle soreness. Doncic suffered the knee injury in Game 3 against the Clippers and hasn’t had the opportunity to rest and let it heal.

Despite the injuries, Doncic’s ‘probable’ status suggests that he’d suit up for the road game at Target Center. A win in Minneapolis would flip the home-court advantage in the Mavericks’ favor and put the pressure on Minnesota ahead of Game 2. The Timberwolves are a perfect 4-0 in Games 1 and 2 in these playoffs and Dallas will look to buck this trend on Wednesday.

Luka Doncic’s exceptional playoffs so far

Luka Doncic is arguably the best player left in the playoffs. The Slovenian guard leads Dallas in points (27.3), rebounds (9.7), assists (9.1), and steals (1.4) per game. He’s the only player in the playoffs to lead his team in all four categories.

Doncic has not only been exceptional on the offensive end but has also been a menace on defense. He’s one of only four players alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards, and Nikola Jokic, averaging over 27 points per game while boasting a defensive rating under 110 in these playoffs.

Doncic’s spectacular display on both ends of the floor is the main reason why the Mavericks have made it to the Western Conference Finals for the fifth time in franchise history. He managed to outplay James Harden in the first round and SGA in the second, and the Mavericks will hope he can upstage Edwards in this series, who has been exceptional in these playoffs.

Doncic and Edwards going head-to-head could become a postseason staple for years to come. But for now, they’re both looking to end their teams’ long wait for an NBA Finals appearance.

Post Edited By: Satagni Sikder
Luka Doncic

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Jay Mahesh Lokegaonkar

Jay Lokegaonkar is a basketball journalist who has been following the sports as a fan 2005. He has worked in a slew of roles covering the NBA, including writer, editor, content manager, social media manager, and head of content since 2018. However, his primary passion is writing about the NBA. Especially throwback stories about the league's iconic players and franchises. Revisiting incredible tales and bringing scarcely believable stories to readers are one his main interests as a writer.

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