Mavs' Luka Doncic Undergoes 'Clean' MRI, Will Be Re-Evaluated Over Weekend
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Dallas Mavericks ruled out Luka Doncic for Thursday's matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder as he deals with left hamstring soreness.
"Yeah, the MRI was clean, and we'll be re-evaluated when we get back to Dallas,' Mavs coach Jason Kidd said before Thursday's game.
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Led by Kyrie Irving, the Mavs will attempt to overcome not having Doncic in the lineup against the Thunder. Dallas has gone 3-5 in eight games without the Slovenian superstar this season but 3-2 in those games when Irving plays. Irving has averaged 30.6 points, 6.6 assists, and 6.0 rebounds in those games.
"When you talk about the team, we're still the team, we're still the team concept, gives the other guys opportunity to play more minutes," Kidd said. "Our being able to use our depth, there's not one person who can make up for Luka.
The Mavs will take on a tough Thunder squad, which is playing at full strength after gaining Jalen Williams back in the lineup after an injury absence. Oklahoma City has been among the NBA's elite offenses and defenses this season, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, rising star Chet Holmgren, and plenty of other talented players rounding out the supporting cast.
"We're going to need the group to be able to do that against a very talented Oklahoma City team," Kidd said. "This is a great test for us. We've had injuries before, playing without Luka and Kai. So this gives us another chance, and others to step up and do their job."
It remains to be seen if he'll be available to play against the Denver Nuggets during the Mavs' Sunday afternoon matchup.
