With 3 losses in their last 5 games, the Dallas Mavericks are not having the best start to the New Year. Injuries to some of their best players have hampered their performance on the court. The team is not playing like the world-beaters they’re supposed to be. Missing the likes of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving will do that though. So the lingering question in every Mavs fan’s mind is the same. Will Luka and Kyrie be available for Dallas’ next game?

Well, the answer is slightly more complicated than a simple yes or no. You see, the most recent injury report submitted by the Mavs has Kyrie Irving listed as QUESTIONABLE. Dallas is considering his game-day availability on a day-to-day basis. As for Luka Doncic, it is confirmed that he will be OUT of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The reason is the ankle injury he suffered on Christmas Day against the Minnesota Timberwolves. His status is set to be reevaluated a month from December 27, meaning, it will be done at the end of January.

However, that means for all their upcoming fixtures this month, the Mavericks will have to do without their talismanic guard. Jared Greenberg of TNT reported that the Mavs are hopeful that Doncic will return before the All-Star break. However, that still means a few weeks of a Mavs side without Doncic. Let’s dive deeper into the injury report and see what the Mavs are working with ahead of their OKC showdown.

Dallas Mavericks Injury Report – can Dallas stave off Oklahoma without Luka Doncic?

With Luka Doncic out of the squad for a considerable length of time and Kyrie Irving’s status questionable, the Mavs are short-handed against the Thunder. Adding to their injury woes, forward Dante Exum is also OUT for their upcoming game as he recovers from his wrist surgery.

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd revealed that Exum is making considerable progress in his recovery. Nevertheless, he is still not cleared to train with full contact. And you certainly wouldn’t want to rush back into the squad if you were in his stead, would you? 

Furthermore, Mavs center Dereck Lively II is also OUT of the game against Oklahoma. The rookie suffered a right ankle sprain when the Mavs played the Denver Nuggets a few days ago. As it stands, we do not have a timeline for his return. Additionally, their opponents are yet to submit an injury report at the time of writing.

With Doncic out and key players missing, things seem to be heading South for the Dallas Mavericks. However, if Kyrie Irving manages to return to the squad, it will be a huge boost to them. And who knows, maybe some of that Kyrie magic can help inspire others on the team to carry Dallas to victory against the Thunder!