The Dallas Mavericks aren’t the underdogs heading into fresh season. Especially after their dominant 2024 playoff run. Moreover, the team made a major bag, signing Klay Thompson into the roster. So, it is safe to say that the team has shot up the anticipation of the Texas fans. While fans have already witnessed China Klay’s debut in the Mavs’ threat, they’re yet to meet their centerpiece, Luka Doncic. The Slovenian guard has been ducking the season debut for a while now. Is he injured?

Well, yes. The 25-year-old suffered a calf contusion ahead of the training camp and has been out ever since. Despite trying to push through the injury and participating in camp, the tightness persisted, keeping him sidelined. With the Mavs losing both their preseason outings, they take on the LA Clippers tonight. The team badly needs their star back into the fold to kick-start the proceedings. So, will Luka play tonight?

According to ESPN, the team has ruled out Luka Doncic for tonight’s game, citing his calf injury. However, at the same time, Coach Jason Kidd dropped a promising update after Saturday’s practice. He said, “Luka participated in non-contact today, so he was good.” Moreover, Kidd also hinted at Doncic’s early return to the court. Speaking of his tonight’s participation, he added, “I would not say Monday, but we will see how everything is going when we come back from LA… We will probably have a better sense of what’s going to take place on Thursday.”

So, Luka Magic will most likely suit up for the Thursday night clash against the Spurs. And fans may as well witness Klay Thompson, Kyrie Irving, and Doncic debuting for the first time together in the Mavs uniform. On the other hand, apart from Luka, the team also has other players in the lengthy injury report.

Luka Doncic & Co. – Starting line and depth chart vs LA Clippers

Apart from Luka Doncic, PJ Washington is also yet to make his debut this preseason with a hip injury. This promising addition played a crucial role in the Mavs’ 2024 playoff campaign. Unlike Doncic, the team has listed PJ in Questionable category and may suit up for tonight’s game.

Moreover, the team ruled Dante Exum out, citing his wrist surgery. On the other hand, the team listed the following players in Questionable category: Brandon Williams (calf), Kessler Edwards (ankle), and Maxi Kleber (ankle). Filtering out the injured players, here’s how the Mavs’ starting line and depth chart will look like.

The Mavs are yet to open their account in the preseason campaign. Meanwhile, the Clippers are coming off a two-game winning streak without their star power, Kawhi Leonard. So who do you think will win the contest tonight? Let us know in the comments.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.