Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic will be re-evaluated in a month after suffering a left calf strain in Wednesday’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The injury occurred when Doncic attempted to attack Timberwolves defenseman Jaden McDaniels. He stopped his dribble, turned around and passed the ball in apparent pain. He left the game afterwards with what has now been determined to be that calf strain.
Doncic, who underwent an MRI on Thursday, has a history of injuries to his left calf, including missing training camp and the preseason this season due to a calf contusion.
Luka likely ineligible for MVP and other awards
The injury is disappointing on several levels. The most obvious is that Dallas, currently fourth in the Western Conference with a 19-11 record, will now be without its best player for at least a month. In an ultra-competitive West, that could cost the Mavericks qualification as they try to repeat as a team. NBA finalist.
The injury also guarantees that Doncic will not reach 65 games this season, meaning he will not be eligible for the MVP award. Doncic has already missed eight games and has never won the award, but he has been a fixture throughout his career and typically regains his form this time of year after slow starts. Before the game against Minnesota, Doncic was averaging roughly 30 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists in December.
Fortunately, the Mavericks have held their own without Doncic this season. They are 6-2 in the eight games he has missed thanks to Kyrie Irving and the deep, versatile supporting cast that general manager Nico Harrison has put around Doncic.
That group will now be tested more than ever as it attempts to navigate at least the next month with Doncic recovering.
