The Dallas Mavericks were aiming for a quick comeback after Sunday’s 11-point loss to the Denver Nuggets. They met up again at the American Airlines Center for a shot at redemption, but the team has hit a rough patch, winning only three of their last ten games against the Nuggets. Luka Doncic did not suit up, as he continues recovering from the calf injury he suffered after Christmas Day against the Timberwolves. Let us not forget that the 25-year-old has a history of issues with his left calf. He missed most of the past two preseason, and also previously sat out the first three games of the 2022 playoffs. However, we finally have an update on his return.

The Mavs were really struggling; they got outscored by the Nuggets by 15 points in the first half in their newest showdown! But on the sidelines was someone who delivered good news for Dallas. At first, it seemed like Doncic might be out long enough to return only after the All-Star break. But things have changed.

TNT’s reporter, Jared S. Greenberg, shared some positive news during the broadcast. Echoing his thoughts, the Dallas Morning News sports enterprise reporter Brad Townsend wrote on X:

“TNT’s terrific sideline reporter @JaredSGreenberg reported on-air that Mavs are confident Luka Doncic will be back in action before the All-Star break. The Mavs already had announced that Doncic won’t be re-evaluated until late January. The All-Star break is Feb. 14-16.“

Luka Doncic missed all of Dallas’ training camp and preseason because of a calf contusion. The calf injuries keep recurring for him—he’s suffered three separate strains on the same leg. Despite this, the 5x All-Star is lighting it up this season, posting averages of 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists in just under 36 minutes a game.

But missing the Dallas-Denver rematch on Tuesday automatically rules the Slovenian out from the All-NBA awards consideration. His 18th absence turned out to be a real hammer blow for the team’s morale as a whole, and the player himself!

While he remains on track to sign a super-max extension this summer, some would say that Doncic’s MVP quest ended on Christmas Day itself. While the Mavs have been struggling with injuries to their stars, it looks like they aren’t looking to make any big moves.

NBA reporter believes the Dallas Mavericks should stand pat, even though Luka Doncic is out

The Dallas Mavericks, as usual, are tied to players like Jimmy Butler and Kyle Kuzma in trade chatter. But according to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, the Mavs might not go down the blockbuster route this time. Pincus listed what each NBA team should do come deadline day, and for Dallas, his advice?

Stand pat. Despite occasional mentions of players like Cameron Johnson or Kyle Kuzma, the overall vibe around the Mavs is pretty calm.

Injuries to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving have thrown them off a bit, but they have still managed to keep pace in the West. While a small tweak here and there is possible, Pincus suggests the Dallas side isn’t looking to make a big splash this year.

Although the Mavs have lost the last seven of their ten games, they have dropped only one position in the standings without Doncic. Trade rumors have linked Dallas to potential deals for frontcourt depth or a defensive upgrade on the wing.

One name missing from the rumor mill is Maxi Kleber. The Dallas side hasn’t gotten the return they hoped for with his $11 million salary, so they could package him with Jaden Hardy for extra depth. Since Nico Harrison took over as GM, the Mavs have been active at every deadline, so a quiet deadline might end up surprising us all. What do you think?