As the Dallas Mavericks recover from their Game 1 loss ahead of Game 2 tonight, an obstacle stands in their way. A worrying development has emerged regarding star player Luka Doncic. In the most recent report from ESPN, Dončić’s status for tonight’s match has been reduced to “questionable”.

Doncic is reportedly suffering from a thoracic contusion, or simply put, an injury to the chest. Luka has been plagued by injuries throughout the post-season, dealing with a right knee sprain and left ankle soreness. But the most recent problem—a thoracic contusion—raises even more questions. Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com claims that Dončić seemed to grab at his chest and ribcage area during the Mavs’ Saturday practice.

The injury was added to the report after Dončić was missing from the media portion of Dallas’ morning shoot-around today. Despite these physical obstacles, Dončić has been a vital player for the Mavericks. With 30 points, 10 rebounds, and one assist in 38 minutes, he had an outstanding stat line in Game 1. Dončić was initially considered a likely for Game 1, but his perseverance and tenacity have been demonstrated by his ability to play through injury.

His absence could spell a lot of trouble for Dallas. Without their star player, the Mavs might suffer a loss worse than that of Game 1. His presence is essential, especially in light of Kyrie Irving‘s underwhelming performance in Game 1; 12 points. The Mavericks’ chances of bouncing back are slim to none without Dončić.

And in a desperate attempt to get to his opponents, Mavs head coach, Jason Kidd, is playing some mind games of his own. After Game 1, Kidd claimed that Jaylen Brown was the Celtics’ best player. But what may seem like an innocent compliment was actually Kidd adding fuel to fire.

Jason Kidd instigates Jaylen Brown vs Jayson Tatum debate

For years now, the Celtics’ star duo has been pitted against one another. When Jaylen Brown won the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, many tried to claim that his teammate and friend, Jayson Tatum, wasn’t happy for him. Jason Kidd is not the first outsider to try and drive a ledge between the duo. Kidd said, “Jaylen’s their best player. He did everything, and that’s what your best player does. Just understanding how to play both sides — defense and offense at a high rate — he’s been doing that the whole playoffs.”

Tatum was not bothered by the comments, he knows better now. He took the opportunity to appreciate Jaylen and his efforts, crediting the team’s success to him. Tatum continued, “No reaction. We understand that people try to drive a wedge in between us. It’s a smart to do or try to do. We’ve been in this position for many years with guys trying to divide us… This is not our first time at the rodeo.”

The other half of the duo, Brown, agreed. He said, “We’ve been just extremely focused on what our roles and our jobs are. We have all had to sacrifice. Right now, at this point, it’s whatever it takes to win. And we can’t let any outside interpretations try to get in between us.” The players’ bond is impermeable.

With Doncic likely out for Game 2, Mavs’ head coach is flailing his hands about. But the Celtics duo are used to this tactic. The Celtics will need to maintain their composure and unity throughout the series to thwart any attempts to create division amongst their roster. Kidd’s mind tricks will fail if they can maintain their solidarity; if not, the Mavericks could acquire a substantial psychological advantage that could affect how the series plays out.