The Dallas Mavericks have been dealt a huge blow as Luka Doncic has been ruled out for the next week by the franchise. They head into a massive clash against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, and Doncic hurt his wrist and will not be able to participate.
ESPN's Shams Charania shared additional details on Luka's situation on the Pat McAfee Show.
"Luka Doncic is going to be out tomorrow. They have a big game against Denver on ESPN, he's going to be out for at least a week. He has a right wrist strain from what I'm told. What's going to happen is that they're going to immobilize his wrist over the next few days and then next week, he's going to have to strengthen that wrist. It could be a week, could be longer. He's a quick healer, he tries to push through injuries, but this is a situation the Mavericks will have to deal with."
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd wasn't pleased to lose his superstar, who's suffered multiple injuries already this season.
"Injuries are a part of the sport and unfortunately he's had a couple of here early. Hopefully, that means he won't have any going forward. After this last one, hopefully he's clean for the rest of the way."
Doncic is averaging 28.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.6 assists this season, going through one of the slowest starts of his career after averaging over 30 points and 8 assists the last two seasons.
As Doncic was playing through injuries to his wrist, ankle, and knee, this time off will help him return to the court as a better player provided he feels confident in his body.
Mavericks Willing To Adjust To Playing Without Doncic
The Mavericks strategically designed a roster that doesn't collapse offensively in Luka's absence, so this stretch of games next week will be a crucial proving ground for the likes of Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and more.
Center Daniel Gafford spoke at length about how the team will approach games without Luka available, stressing the importance of playing perfectly and identifying their weapons in Luka's absence.
"We gotta be a little bit near perfect when it comes to the offense, but honestly, just staying the same as when he's here. Taking care of business, getting good pace, getting into our offensive sets, and making sure the right guys have the ball in their hands."
Gafford also embraced the team's 'next-man-up' mentality.
"Pretty much just the same mindset. Next man up. Just be ready to guard the best man or just have the best man guard you. It's going to be a lot on Kai. It's going to be a lot on Klay, but I feel like we've done a pretty good job whenever Luka has been off the floor...The strategy is still the same."
Given the current timeline, the Mavericks will likely be without Doncic for their next four games. This would mean the Mavs will face the Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat, Atlanta Hawks, and New York Knicks without their franchise superstar. With the team currently on a three-game winning streak, they'll hope they at least stay .500 through these games without Doncic.
