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Mavericks star Luka Doncic’s Game 3 injury update vs. Thunder leaves room for concern
Image credit: ClutchPoints

DALLAS — It is no secret that Luka Doncic has been dealing with an injury against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. He suffered a right knee sprain in the first-round of the NBA playoffs against the Los Angeles Clippers. The injury has continued to bother Doncic against the Thunder, but Luka still performed well in Game 2 nonetheless.

Dallas defeated Oklahoma City 119-110 in Game 2. Doncic and PJ Washington led the Mavs with 29 points each.

However, Luka appeared to hurt his face after falling to the floor early in the game. The frightening moment was far from ideal, but Doncic remained in the contest and ultimately led the Mavericks to the win.

The odds of Doncic missing a postseason game are slim. He’s willing to play through pain. With all of that being said, Luka is listed on the injury report for Game 3.

So is Luka Doncic playing in Game 3 vs. the Thunder?

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Luka Doncic’s injury status vs. Thunder

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) checks his mouth after falling on a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter of game two of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Doncic is listed as questionable for Game 3 due to the aforementioned right knee sprain as well as left ankle soreness, per the NBA injury report. Maxi Kleber (shoulder) and Olivier-Maxence Prosper (ankle) will remain out on Saturday.

Doncic was listed as probable for Game 2. The questionable status leaves some room for concern. He was listed as questionable at times against the Clippers, though, and did not miss a game in that series.

Barring a major setback, it still seems likely that he will play. He is listed as questionable for now.

Doncic performed well on Thursday. In addition to the 29 points he scored, Luka finished the game with 10 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.

Perhaps the most encouraging statistics from his outing were his shooting efficiency numbers. Luka went 11-21 (52.4 percent) from the field and 5-8 (62.5 percent) from deep.

The Mavs also received impressive performances from PJ Washington, Tim Hardaway Jr., Daniel Gafford and Josh Green. Washington recorded 29 points and 11 rebounds. Hardaway, Gafford, and Green combined for 41 points in the win.

Kyrie Irving had just nine points, but he also ended up with 11 assists, two steals, and two blocks. Irving put the team first and played a big role in the victory.

The Mavericks’ Game 2 win should give them plenty of momentum following their Game 1 loss. It goes without saying, but Game 3 is an important affair with the series all tied up at one game apiece.

Doncic’s status will be worth closely monitoring. The Mavs are certainly hopeful that he will be ready to go before tip-off. Dallas will provide an update on Saturday.

When it comes to the question of if Luka Doncic is playing in Game 3 vs. the Thunder, the answer is uncertain as of this story’s writing.

This article first appeared on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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