The Dallas Mavericks’ season took an unexpected turn on Christmas Day when Luka Dončić left the game with a left calf strain.
The injury occurred during the game, with Dončić immediately asking to be taken out. He left the arena on crutches, raising concerns about the severity of the strain. An MRI was scheduled for Thursday and per ESPN’s latest report on Thursday night, Doncic will be re-evaluated in a month.
This isn’t Dončić's first encounter with left leg issues. He’s had a history of injuries to that calf, including missing training camp and preseason this year due to a contusion. This marks the third calf strain in recent years, following incidents before the 2022 playoffs and during the 2023 preseason.
Potential Timeline and Impact
While Doncic will be out at least a month, injury expert Jeff Stotts suggests that if it’s a grade 2 strain, we could be looking at an average 34 days missed. However, given Dončić's history, the Mavericks might take a more cautious approach.
Personally, I’m mentally preparing for a potential return after the All-Star break, which is about eight weeks away. This would mean missing around 26 games. Of course, I’m hoping for better news in a month, but it’s important to be realistic given the circumstances.
Broader Implications
This injury could have significant ramifications beyond just the Mavericks’ win-loss record. If Dončić misses extended time, it likely takes him out of the running for MVP and other postseason awards due to the games played threshold.
Moreover, his absence could reshape the Western Conference playoff picture. The Mavericks have shown they can win without Dončić (6-2 record), but sustaining that over a longer period will be challenging.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Luka Dončić's injury situation, tune into the Locked On Mavericks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Mavericks Podcast:
• The role of Kyrie Irving in Dončić's absence
• Potential trade implications for the Mavericks
• Historical context of similar calf injuries in the NBA
