Luka Doncic’s WCF Game 3 Availability Brought Into Question As His Ankle and Knee Injuries Persist

Luka Doncic's WCF Game 3 Availability Brought Into Question As His Ankle and Knee Injuries Persist

The Dallas Mavericks could take a near-unassailable 3-0 lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals if they defend home court on Sunday night. Luka Doncic and Co. have already done the hard part by winning Games 1 and 2 on the road. Dallas will hope that their Slovenian superstar can deliver another outstanding performance to seal the series, but his addition to the pre-game injury report shows that there are some concerns about his fitness.

Doncic has been listed on the NBA’s latest injury report as ‘questionable’ for Game 3 at American Airlines Center. The superstar guard is nursing the right knee sprain that has bothered him throughout the postseason. He is also dealing with some soreness in his left ankle.

The 25-year-old injured his ankle in the Mavericks’ Game 3 win against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the playoffs.

Despite his injuries, Doncic is yet to miss a game in these playoffs and is expected to suit up for Game 3 against the Timberwolves as well. He promised exactly that during his post-game interview after Game 2.

The Slovenian superstar understands the implications of a win on Sunday and will push through the pain to help his team inch one step closer to the NBA Finals.

Mavericks could effectively book Finals berth with Game 3 win

The Mavericks are in an enviable position. The wins in Games 1 and 2 on the road have left the Timberwolves with a mountain to climb and explore a terrain that has only been scaled a handful of times in NBA history. Only five teams have lost the first two games of a playoff series at home and managed to advance to the next round.

The Timberwolves’ task would be almost insurmountable if the Mavericks win Game 3. Of the 154 teams that have trailed 0-3 in a playoff series, only four have managed to respond with three straight wins and force a Game 7. However, none have ever managed to win it and advance.

History suggests that a win in Game 3 for Dallas would mark the end of Minnesota’s impressive playoff run.

However, the Mavericks won’t get ahead of themselves as they still need to go out and perform well to beat this resilient Timberwolves team. Doncic and Co. will look to end this series quickly and book a seat in the Finals for the first time in 13 years.

A swift series win will allow Doncic ample time to recover his injuries before the Finals start on June 6.

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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