Luka Doncic injury update: Dallas Mavericks superstar's status gets major scoop ahead of 2023-24 NBA opening night

The Dallas Mavericks are excited about the new season and expect Luka Doncic to lead them to significant wins. This will be Doncic's sixth season in Dallas and the stakes are high. The talented superstar is looking to bounce back after failing to lead the team to a postseason during the 2022-23 NBA season.

Unfortunately, the Slovenian star is currently dealing with a calf injury. So, his availability for the Mavs' season opener against the San Antonio Spurs on October 25 is still in the air. In the most recent injury report, Doncic was already listed as "questionable," which could be concerning for the team.

He spoke to the media earlier this week and talked about his current state. According to him, he feels better. However, it'll be Jason Kidd's decision if Doncic will play their season opener.

"I wouldn't know yet, honestly," Doncic said when asked if he's available for the team's season opener. "I've been practicing for two days now. So, I feel pretty good. We'll see how it feels tomorrow morning.

When asked what he did in practice, Doncic said this:

"I did everything. I feel pretty good. But we'll see. Two days of practice is different than two weeks of lifting and just shooting."

His status for tomorrow's game will solely rely on the coaches and the team doctors. Although he feels great and has had time to practice, there are still some areas that the team has to consider before coming to a final decision. Doncic even missed playing their final preseason game.

Last season, he averaged 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists for the Mavs. Despite his outstanding production for the team, they missed the postseason.

You might also be interested in reading this: NBA star Luka Doncic and legend Dirk Nowitzki's attendance at Game 4 of ALCS starts mockfest among fans: "Can they pitch?"

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Kenyon Martin Sr. addressed Luka Doncic's defense

As great a player as Luka Doncic is, many have questioned his defensive abilities. His lack of effort is still notable, given that defense isn't his priority for Dallas and even the other teams he played for. Former NBA All-Star Kenyon Martin criticized Doncic's defensive skills or lack thereof.

"Guarantee, you line them up, let them play ones (one-on-one)..." Martin said. "You line him up against Kyrie, listen, he might not touch the ball. If you give Kyrie the ball first, Luka won't touch the ball. Luka can't guard this goddamn camera stand.

In the end, he still gave credit to Doncic's talents.

"Is Luka good? Absolutely. He's good for his team. That's the thing with real basketball people. If your numbers don't equate to something, they're just numbers, and I look at who you are and what you're doing. I look at Kyrie, and 's**t, give me 11."

The dynamic duo of Doncic and Kyrie Irving is expected to carry the Mavericks back to the playoffs this season.