Dallas Mavs' Luka Doncic Playing Status vs. OKC Thunder TBD: 'We'll See'
DALLAS — When the Dallas Mavericks faced off against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, they did so without Luka Doncic in the lineup due to personal reasons. It was later made clear that it was due to his daughter's birth.
"We're just on today," Mavs coach Jason Kidd said before Friday's game. "We don't know what tomorrow brings. We'll see."
Doncic has averaged 31.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.9 assists in 17 games this season, with an 11-6 record in his games played. He remains one of the NBA's premier candidates for the 2024 MVP award due to his production and the team's ranking fourth in the Western Conference entering Friday's game.
In Doncic's previous outing, he finished with 41 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists in the Mavs' 121-115 victory over the Houston Rockets. He recorded his second performance of the season, scoring 40 or more points with zero turnovers, making him the only player in the NBA with one of such performances this season.
The Mavs also played without Dante Exum due to the Grizzlies due to personal reasons. Tim Hardaway Jr. was ruled out due to back spasms after entering the day of the game as considered questionable to play. However, Maxi Kleber has been sidelined with a toe dislocation since last playing on Nov. 11.
Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic in the 2023-24 NBA season.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
One of the differences between the Mavs' roster this season compared to last year is Kyrie Irving's presence. Dallas can rely on its other superstar guard to take charge of the offense when Doncic cannot play.
"We'll have to lean on Kai more a little bit in tonight's game. He's not afraid to have added weight to carry the group," Kidd said. "He's enjoyed the leadership up to this point. We're going to ask him to lead again tonight."
Against a tough Oklahoma City Thunder matchup on Saturday, the Mavs will need all the available talent they can get. The team, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, ranked third in the Western Conference before Friday's NBA action, as they've posted a 12-6 record through 18 games.
This story will be updated with more information regarding Doncic's status for Saturday's matchup between the Mavs and Thunder as they are available.
