Mavericks Injury Report: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II’s Availability Vs Warriors

The Dallas Mavericks have had an exceptional run for the persisting NBA season. Comparing their stand to the last seasons, the team has presented a significant rise, securing the fifth seed 45-29. With just eight more games remaining until the playoffs, the team has continued to hold on. For, any further losses could result in disqualification from the next round of the championship; an aspect crucial to remember as injury report arrives.

With their next matchup being against the Golden State Warriors, the team needs to ensure the availability of its best performers. A few hours ago, sports reporter Brad Townsend took to his official X account to share details from the recent Injury Report released by the Dallas Mavericks. According to it, Point guard Dereck Lively II has been listed as ‘questionable’ for the upcoming game. The team’s fourth-highest average scorer had developed an injury on his lower right leg during the previous matchup against the Houston Rockets.

While Lively II was ruled out from the rest of the game, onlookers still caught a glimpse of the player sitting on the bench, concluding that the injury was not severe. However, given how recent it was, the player’s availability would be placed at 50-50 odds. According to reports, if Lively II cannot make it to the Warriors matchup, then the gap left could be filled by allotting more playing time to center Daniel Gafford. Josh Green, the only other player on the Injury Report, is set to miss his eighth consecutive game after developing a right ankle sprain.

While Lively II’s unavailability will be a hindrance, Mavericks fans will rejoice in the fact that both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving will be available during the matchup. Despite the fact that Doncic has appeared in 65 of 74 games this season, the player has also been dealing with a plethora of injuries. His recent left Achilles soreness, however, had raised more concern than the others and questioned his availability during this crucial stage. Having been excluded from the recent Injury Report for the first time in a long time, the Slovenian player has raised hope that his Achilles injury won’t be a hindrance to his scoring effort for now. As for Kyrie Irving, the 8x NBA All-Star hasn’t missed a single game in more than a month and will not likely start to miss them now.

From the Warriors’ side, the team’s power forwards Jonathon Kuminga and Dario Saric have been ruled out. Klay Thompson, who has been dealing with a knee injury since the past few games, is listed as ‘questionable’.

What lies ahead for Luka Doncic’s Mavericks during the playoff run?

After concluding with a W/L record of 38-44, the Mavericks failed expectations during the last season. This time, however, the tide has turned in their favor, with a determined Luka Doncic looking to bring the championship ring home for the first time in 13 years. Before they can get to the Finals, however, they have to reach the playoffs.

The Mavericks had managed to win their previous two matchups against the Warriors by double digits. Given that they are currently on a seven-win streak, fans will be hoping for the team to replicate their success. Once the game against the Warriors is concluded, the Mavericks will prepare to face off against the Atlanta Hawks, the Warriors again, and then the Houston Rockets. A victory in these games is crucial since it will solidify their spot in the playoffs.

Both rival franchises have also been seen making a last-ditch effort, with the Hawks winning 5 of their last 6 games and the Rockets recently coming off an 11-win streak. The road ahead will not be easy for Luka Doncic’s franchise. However, having already come so far, they won’t be ready to take their foot off the throttle now.

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