Kyrie Irving has been shouldering the offensive load for the Mavericks all alone. His partner in crime has been sitting out the last five games. While the Mavs have a solid 4-1 record this season without Luka Doncic, there’s no doubt his absence is felt. Currently, Dallas stands at 12-8 for the 2024-25 season, sitting 5th in the West, just 3.5 games behind the 1st-place Oklahoma City Thunder. They’re looking to build momentum and keep pushing forward. But what about Luka’s status?

Luka Doncic, 25, started the season in full swing, averaging 28.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 1.6 steals in 14 games. His shooting stats have been decent too, with 43.5% from the field and 32.4% from three. The Mavericks are rolling right now, winning seven of their last eight games, including three straight. It’s clear they’re gaining momentum as they gear up for their next challenge.

He could suit up for tonight’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Trail Blazers have had a rough patch, dropping four of their last six games. However, they’re coming off a much-needed 115-106 win over the Kings on Friday, snapping a two-game losing streak.

Now, they’re hoping to carry that momentum into their next game. It’s clear they’re eager to turn things around. Let us take a look at both teams’ injury reports and depth charts.

How much longer can Kyrie hold down the fort without Luka Doncic?

The Mavericks’ injury update will be based on their report submitted for the game against the Utah Jazz last night. As they’re playing back-to-back, they aren’t required to submit another report hours before the tip-off.

Luka Doncic has missed the last five games due to a sprained right wrist, but he was seen practicing with the team on Friday. There’s a chance he could make his return tonight. Klay Thompson, dealing with plantar fasciitis in his left foot, missed his third consecutive game against the Jazz.

Meanwhile, in Saturday’s 106-94 win over the Jazz, Jaden Ivey, who was battling an illness, didn’t return after halftime. He ended with three points, one rebound, and one assist in 13 minutes. Marshall had stepped up as a reliable scorer in Doncic’s absence but struggled here due to his health.

It’s unclear whether Marshall will be sidelined longer, but he’s currently questionable for Sunday’s game against the Trail Blazers, as per ESPN. Dante Exum remains out as he’s still recovering from wrist surgery.

Can the Trail Blazers stun the Mavericks?

The Trail Blazers will be monitoring 6 players on their report. Kris Murray is listed as probable for Sunday’s game against the Mavericks due to a sternum bruise. After missing two games, he returned on Friday against the Knicks, where he scored two points, grabbed three rebounds, and dished out an assist in 16 minutes off the bench.

Scoot Henderson, dealing with a quadriceps injury, is questionable for Sunday’s matchup. He’s been out with a left quadriceps contusion and could miss his fifth game in the last six. Jerami Grant, recovering from a knee sprain, is also questionable for Sunday’s game.

Robert Williams III has been ruled out for the third consecutive game with a concussion. Meanwhile, Matisse Thybulle is still recovering from a minor right knee surgery in October and remains sidelined. Portland announced that Donovan Clingan, who’s been dealing with a knee issue, will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

The Mavericks are dealing with injuries. Whether Luka Doncic will suit up or not, isn’t confirmed, but Thompson won’t. On the other side, the Trail Blazers are holding their breath over the status of Jerami Grant and Scoot Henderson, both of whom are questionable. Sure, Portland grabbed a confidence boost from their surprising win over the Kings on Friday, but trying to take down a Mavericks team on fire is a whole different task. Can the Blazers pull off another shocker? We’ll see.