It appears that Luka Doncic is ready to rejoin the Mavericks lineup at a very opportun time.
Dallas has been without Doncic since the superstar aggravated a thigh injury in early March. At 36-36, the Mavs find themselves in eighth place in the Western Conference standings. Only one game separates Dallas from the LA Lakers in 11th place — the first team out of the Play-In picture.
How long will Doncic be sidelined? Here is what we know about his injury and when he could make his return.
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What is Luka Doncic's injury?
After initially playing hobbled against the Pelicans on March 8, the Mavericks shared that Doncic's night would end early because of a left thigh strain.
Luka Dončić (left thigh strain) will not return to tonight’s game in New Orleans.
— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) March 9, 2023
While Doncic was not listed on the injury report ahead of the game, he seemed to be limited physically from the beginning.
Here is the play in which he appears to aggravate the thigh injury:
Luka playing through the pain. pic.twitter.com/55H7WYNKNF
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 9, 2023
This season, Doncic is averaging 33.0 points per game to go along with 8.6 rebounds and 8.0 assists.
How long will Luka Doncic be out?
Following the loss in New Orleans, Doncic replied "not good" when asked how he was feeling, per ESPN's Andrew Lopez.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Doncic underwent an MRI that came back "clean."
Luka Doncic's MRI on his thigh is clean and he's expected to return as soon as discomfort allows him, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 9, 2023
However, it would be weeks before Doncic was expected to return to the floor. He is listed as probable for the Mavericks' meeting with the Warriors on Wednesday, March 22.
"It's just the strength," Doncic said of his thigh following a loss to the Suns on March 5. "When I try to shoot or jump, I feel like this leg is a little bit weaker. Pain-wise it's a little bit, but it's not too bad."
Here are the remaining games on Dallas' schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | National TV |
| March 22 | vs. Warriors | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| March 24 | vs. Hornets | 8:30 p.m. | — |
| March 26 | at Hornets | 1 p.m. | — |
| March 27 | at Pacers | 7 p.m. | — |
| March 29 | at 76ers | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| April 1 | at Heat | 7:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| April 2 | at Hawks | 6 p.m. | NBA TV |
| April 5 | vs. Kings | 8:30 p.m. | — |
| April 7 | vs. Bulls | 8:30 p.m. | — |
| April 9 | vs. Spurs | 3:30 p.m. | — |
Luka Doncic career stats, highlights
- 27.5 points per game
- 8.6 rebounds per game
- 8.0 assists per game
- 1.1 steals per game
- 4.0 turnovers per game
- 46.6 percent field goal shooting
- 33.9 percent 3-point shooting
- 73.7 percent free throw shooting
