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The Dallas Mavericks will miss the services of Luka Doncic for the second straight game tonight versus the Memphis Grizzlies. Doncic was also a no-show during the two team’s previous meeting to recover from a left thigh strain.
“Luka Legend” has complained of a little discomfort in his thigh after the All-Star break but has played through the injury. He has hardly seemed affected by it as he has been putting up incredible numbers.
In seven games since playing in Salt Lake City, Doncic has been averaging 30.4 points, 7.3 assists and 7.1 rebounds. It wasn’t until after the 113-106 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans did the Slovenian mention his thigh.
During the postgame conference, “Luka Magic” told the media that his thigh “didn’t look good.” Dallas responded by promptly shutting him down against Memphis last Saturday and again tonight.
What is Luka Doncic’s status tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies?
![A left thigh strain could force "Luka Legend" to miss a few more games. [photo: HoopsHype]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/03/bdd01-16787167213350-1920.jpg)
The Dallas Mavericks have ruled out Luka Doncic when they face the Memphis Grizzlies for a rematch of their home-and-home series. Doncic will be in street clothes cheering his teammates on when they host the Ja Morant-less squad.
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd previously told the media that the four-time All-Star is considered day-to-day. Based on Doncic’s words about his left thigh not looking good, the team may give him just enough time to recover.
Doncic will miss his 12th game of the season and could add more to that tally if his left thigh does not improve this week.
When will Luka Doncic return?
The Dallas Mavericks are in danger of missing the playoffs just a season after reaching the Western Conference Finals. Dallas has 18 games left to try and nail at least a play-in spot. They would obviously like to get their franchise player back sooner rather than later.
The Mavericks, however, will not push for Doncic’s return if he’s not as healthy as he can be during this stretch run. He may drag them into the play-in tourney but ends up getting compromised if he plays through his left thigh strain.
Jason Kidd’s squad is eighth in the bunched-up Western Conference with a 34-34 record. They are just one game ahead of the New Orleans Pelicans (33-35), who are in 12th place. The LA Lakers, Utah Jazz and OKC Thunder are also in the thick of the fight for the final play-in tickets.
Doncic’s return date could be determined by the Dallas Mavericks’ situation as the regular season draws to a close.
The Slovenian maestro is averaging a career-high 33.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.5 steals. They’ll need those numbers to nail a play-in or outright playoff spot.
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