NBA rumors: Mavs’ Luka Dončić expected to miss extended time with calf strain | News, results, highlights, stats and rumours

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DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 19: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the first half of an Emirates NBA Cup vs. New Orleans Pelicans game at the American Airlines Center on November 19, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. NOTICE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photograph, User consents to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo: Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

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Luka Dončić could face the prospect of some lost time.

Shams Charania of ESPN reported that the Dallas Mavericks superstar could be out for an extended period with a calf strain, leaving the arena on crutches after the Christmas Day game with the Minnesota Timberwolves:

Shams Charania @ShamsCharania

The Dallas Mavericks are preparing for star Luka Doncic to miss an extended period after suffering a calf strain, sources and @espn_macmahon. Doncic left the arena on crutches today in Dallas. He is expected to undergo an MRI on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/QKRIHfya10

Dončić was previously ruled out of the game due to calf strain.

Head coach Jason Kidd didn’t have much of a postgame update when discussing Lukas’ injury history.

“You never want anybody to get hurt or hurt, but that’s part of the game,” Kidd told reporters. “Hopefully this will be his last and hopefully it’s not too serious.

Prior to a wrist injury in November, Dončić had missed just one game, sitting out the Mavs’ November 17 contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to a right knee contusion. Even without its star, Dallas won that game against the Thunder 121-119.

The start of the season did not go as the Mavericks hoped after they reached the NBA Finals a year ago. They were 5-7 through 12 games before a three-game winning streak put them over .500 before Dončić’s injury in November.

However, the team has been hot since, and is now 19-10 on the season.

Dončić, who had an MVP-caliber season last year, is averaging 28.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.1 assists. His numbers aren’t quite as impressive as last season, when he put up 33.9 points, 9.8 assists and 9.2 rebounds per game, but the star has been known to step up his game later in the season.

Either way, when he misses, it significantly weakens the Mavericks. Kyrie Irving will now have to carry a bigger offensive load for Dallas.