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Dallas Mavericks star Luka Dončić is dealing with a right wrist strain and will be re-evaluated in one week, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Charania initially reported Dončić “is expected to miss time,” the extent of which was unclear.
The five-time All-Star was most recently sidelined for Dallas’ 121-119 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Nov. 17 due to a right knee contusion.
The minor injury added to a frustrating season for the 8-7 Mavericks and their best player.
Dallas went on a four-game losing streak in November, and the four losses were by a combined eight points. That encapsulates how the Mavs, one of the best clutch teams in 2023-24, may not have Lady Luck on their side this year.
Dončić performed up to his usual standards, either. He’s averaging 28.1 points on 43.5 percent shooting along with 7.6 rebounds and 7.6 assists.
Those are incredible numbers for almost any other player, but a little below what the 25-year-old delivered in recent seasons. And ultimately, the Mavericks probably need him to perform at an MVP-type level to have a serious shot at a championship.
Beating the Thunder without Dončić showed Dallas can survive on a given night without him. P.J. Washington stepped up and had a team-high 27 points and 17 rebounds on that occasion, while Kyrie Irving chipped in with 23 points and six assists.
But there’s no question the Mavs will need Dončić on the court when they enter a more pivotal juncture of the season. An extended absence now also risks Dallas ceding valuable ground in the playoff race.
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