Will Luka Doncic Play Tonight? Dallas Mavericks vs Indiana Pacers: Injury Updates, Lineups, and Prediction

The Dallas Mavericks return to NBA action as they travel to Indianapolis to face the Indiana Pacers. The two teams will go toe to toe at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse at 7 pm EST. Both teams come into this game looking for a win, after suffering embarrassing losses in their previous games.

Despite the arrival of Kristaps Porzingis, the Mavericks have been struggling. They have lost their last three games, which includes losses against Raptors and Bulls, two teams who have been poor so far. Both Porzingis and Luka Doncic have been struggling for efficiency, and that has held them back.

The Pacers had a superb start to the season, going 4-1. They’ve had mixed results since then, but their current record still stands at 8-5. They are now coping to life with Victor Oladipo, who was traded to the Rockets in a huge four team trade. They received Caris LeVert, who is yet to play due to injury. So the rest of the team needs to step up till he returns.

Dallas Mavericks expected lineup

Multiple players missing due to COVID protocols has been one of the biggest reasons for the Mavericks lack of wins recently. In Dorian Finney-Smith, Dwight Powell, Maxi Kleber, and Josh Richardson they are missing four players who are crucial to their rotation, They will miss tonight’s game as well. They also have Tim Hardaway Jr. who is dealing with a groin injury, but should return in time.

So their lineup will feature Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson as the guards, Tim Hardaway Jr and Kristaps Porzingis as their forwards, Willie Cauley-Stein as their center.

Indiana Pacers expected lineup

The Pacers have had their fair share of injuries too, with just 5 players playing all 13 games so far. They might have some good news, with Myles Turner (hand) and Jeremy Lamb (knee) listed as game-time decision. Lamb hasn’t played in almost a year, while Turner missed their last game. They also JaKarr Sampson (back) who could feature in their rotation again.

So the Pacers will start with Malcolm Brogdon and Edmond Sumner as their guards, Justin Holiday and Domantas Sabonis as their forwards, and Myles Turner as their center.

Predictions

The Pacers have two important players returning, while the Mavericks are still without important players. That alone shifts the odds into the Pacers’ favor. Doncic and Porzingis might be aiming for a redemption win tonight. But the Pacers should be able to win, as they have the depth and strength to sneak a win.