Luka Doncic returns as the Mavericks take on the Trail Blazers

DALLAS — Luka Doncic returned to the Dallas lineup Monday night against the Portland Trail Blazers after missing the Mavericks’ previous two games with a left heel contusion.

Doncic won last season’s scoring title with a career-best 33.9 points per game and is fifth in the NBA this season with a 28.9 average and seventh in assists with an 8.2 average. He had triple-doubles in three of his last four games, including his most recent performance on Dec. 15 with 45 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds in a 143-133 win at Golden State.

The defending Western Conference champions are 18-10, fourth in the West and have won 13 of their last 16 games following their only losing streak of the season, a four-game skid from Nov. 8-14.