Luka Doncic is hoping to play tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies. [photo: Dallas Morning News]

Is Luka Doncic playing tonight against Grizzlies? Latest injury update on Mavericks’ star ahead of matchup (20th March 2023)

Modified Mar 20, 2023 21:29 GMT

The Dallas Mavericks have upgraded Luka Doncic to questionable for Monday night’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies. “Luka Legend” complained about not being able to “push off” with his leg in the Mavericks’ 113-106 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on March 8.

Dallas’ training staff heavily bandaged Doncic’s left leg during one of Jason Kidd’s timeouts. He could be seen grimacing in pain throughout the game.

Tim MacMahon

@espn_macmahon

Luka Doncic is upgraded to questionable after missing the last four games due to a left thigh strain. After practicing Thursday, he said he hoped to play Monday vs. Grizzlies. twitter.com/mavspr/status/…

Mavs PR

@MavsPR

Luka Dončić (left thigh strain), Kyrie Irving (right foot soreness) and Markieff Morris (left knee soreness) are all questionable for tomorrow night’s in Memphis.

The Dallas Mavericks promptly shut him down even though they are in the midst of a heated race for at least a play-in spot. Doncic has missed four straight games but has made some progress as his availability has improved to somewhat iffy instead of being ruled out.

The Mavericks have gone 2-2 without Doncic recently.

Dallas lost back-to-back games to the Memphis Grizzlies on March 11 and 13 but then scraped a win against the lowly San Antonio Spurs last Wednesday. Dallas is also coming off a morale-boosting, come-from-behind, 111-110 win over the LA Lakers on Friday.

Kyrie Irving, who was questionable heading into that game, played and carried the Mavericks to the win. But it was Maxi Kleber’s clutch shooting, including an incredible buzzer-beating 3-pointer over Anthony Davis that pushed them to the win.

The Mavs have lost their last two games against the Mavericks, who also didn’t have Ja Morant in those games. “G12” has been ruled out to ramp up his conditioning, but Memphis will be the favorite if Doncic is in street clothes on Monday night.

Also read: Luka Doncic becomes first player in NBA history to record 95 points, 20 rebounds and 20 assists over a 2-game span

What is Luka Doncic’s status tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies?

Luka Doncic was reportedly a full participant in the Dallas Mavericks’ practice. The development forced the team to change his status from out to questionable. Doncic has moved well in practice and didn’t suffer any setbacks after playing against teammates.

The Slovenian basketball superstar will likely be a game-time decision. Dallas’ doctors will be closely monitoring him during this morning’s shootaround and pregame warmups.

Mark Medina

@MarkG_Medina

It’s not definitive, but Mavs’ Luka Doncic expressed hope he can return for Monday’s game vs Memphis Grizzlies

It’s anybody’s guess whether “Luka Magic” will play on Monday night. The Mavericks could give him more time by sidelining him for another game and have him return on Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors.

What is Luka Doncic’s impact on the Dallas Mavericks?

The Dallas Mavericks aren't going anywhere without "Luka Legend."

Kyrie Irving is a superstar, but the Dallas Mavericks will only go as far as Luka Doncic can take them. While Irving hasn’t proven he is capable of leading a franchise of his own, Doncic has thrived in that role.

“Luka Legend” is unquestionably the Mavs’ best player, whose performance will decide Dallas’ playoff aspirations.

Doncic leads the Mavericks in points (33.0 per game), rebounds (8.6 per game), assists (8.0 per game) and steals (1.5 per game) in 57 games. He is also hitting a career-high 50.0% of his field goals, including 34.90% from behind the arc.

Dallas’ success is predicated on Doncic’s health and performance.

Edited by
Michael Macasero