Mavs Injury Report: Despite Rest, Luka Doncic’s Status Remains Same Ahead Of Western Conference Finals Game 1

The Dallas Mavericks fought tooth and nail against the young OKC Thunder to secure a win in Game 6 and advance to WCF. Tying the series in Game 4 by Oklahoma City, the Mavs responded with urgency in the next two outings to ensure they stayed in the Championship chatter. Amidst all this, the one aspect that has concerned fans was the health of Luka Doncic, as he has been dealing with multiple injuries throughout the playoffs.

But the Slovenian has suited up come game time to carry the team forward. Unfortunately, though, the latest update on Doncic isn’t in favor of Dallas. The Mavericks beat writer Grant Afseth, posted the latest injury report, and it has two other players besides Luka. “Dallas Mavericks Injury Report Game 1 WCF vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Luka Doncic – probable (right knee sprain; left ankle soreness) Maxi Kleber – out (right shoulder; AC separation) Olivier-Maxence Prosper – out (left ankle sprain)”

It wasn’t that hard to see that the 25-year-old had been playing through pain. Many fans would have noticed him grimacing in pain, particularly after physical plays. Although the above injury report gives two injuries, Doncic has also had to deal with a back injury and a sore Achilles. Apparently, were it the regular season, these would have meant a minimum of two straight weeks of rest, as per TNT’s Jared Greenberg.

However, that isn’t the case and they are going up against a team that continues to prove its mettle, especially when backed up against a wall.

Can the Wolves hold their ground against Luka Doncic and Co.?

There is no doubt that both teams feature exceptional players and coaches. From running circles around a veteran-heavy Suns and then tossing the Nuggets off their route, Minnesota has been the unicorn. Meanwhile, Dallas had solid foes in the Clippers and Thunder, but they made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals to hopefully get to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011.

The Timberwolves are not behind in their eagerness to advance. For one, the franchise has never made the Finals. So, if they do, that is history-making right there. And another factor is none other than the main man of the team – Anthony Edwards. The young guard loves big stages and even bigger names to go against. In fact, he made it known that his target for the series was Kyrie Irving after their phenomenal victory. “My matchup is going to be Kyrie, so that’s going to be fun. We’re going to see what I can do vs. him.“

Well, Irving better double down on his wizardry because the Ant-Man strikes when you least expect it. But Kyrie isn’t lauded as one of the greatest basketball players ever for nothing. Hence, Edwards will have his work cut out for him.

Nevertheless, the Wolves are a well-put-together team. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year, Naz Reid, needs special mention here. When both Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns head to the bench, Reid takes control of both ends of the floor to put together a spectacular game.

As for the Mavs, more contributions from their reserve wings will be pivotal in swinging the momentum of the game towards them. Considering how Doncic is battling multiple injuries, the rest of the team will have to step up if they are going to make a stand. Both teams are equally matched and it can be a sensational series.

But only if Luka can play to his full potential.

For the sake of Dallas fans, let’s hope Doncic can suit up for the whole length of the series. However long (or short) that may be. What are your thoughts on the subject? Let us know.