Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic will be re-evaluated in a month after suffering a strained left calf during Wednesday’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
The injury occurred as Doncic attempted to rush Timberwolves defender Jaden McDaniels. He stopped his dribble, turned around and returned the ball with apparent pain. He left the game afterward with what has now been determined to be that calf strain.
Doncic, who underwent an MRI on Thursday, has a history of injuries to his left calf, including missing training camp and this season’s preseason with a calf contusion.
Luka likely not eligible for MVP and other awards
The injury is disappointing on several levels. The most obvious is that Dallas, currently the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference with a 19-11 record, will now be without its best player for at least a month. In an ultra-competitive West, this could cost the Mavericks the top seed as they try to repeat as the leader. NBA finalist.
The injury also ensures that Doncic will not reach 65 games this season, meaning he will not be eligible for the MVP award. Doncic has already missed eight games and never won the award, but has been a fixture throughout his career and usually returns to form this time of year after slow starts. Before the Minnesota game, Doncic was averaging around 30 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists in December.
Fortunately, the Mavericks have largely held their own without Doncic this season. They’re 6-2 in the eight games he’s missed thanks to Kyrie Irving and the deep, versatile supporting cast that general manager Nico Harrison has put around Doncic.
This group will now be tested more than ever as they attempt to navigate at least the next month with Doncic recovering.
