Dallas Mavericks star Luka Dončić is set to be sidelined for approximately a month due to a calf injury he suffered during a Christmas Day game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to a source familiar with the situation.
This extensive absence is likely to eliminate the five-time All-NBA player from contention for significant accolades, including the coveted MVP award.
Before this incident, Dončić had already missed eight games, five of which were due to a sprained right wrist. The injury occurred late in the second quarter of a 105-99 defeat to the Timberwolves, where he was unable to continue after pulling up lame on a play.
The 25-year-old did not return to the court, limping to the locker room after the Mavericks called a timeout.
As the defending Western Conference champions, the Mavericks face a challenging schedule with 17 games in the upcoming month, starting with a matchup in Phoenix. Dončić was performing at an impressive level, ranking sixth in the NBA with an average of 28.1 points per game, along with 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists.
If Dončić is out for 25 games, this would exceed the 15-game maximum required for players to remain eligible for major awards. His previous record for missed games in a season was 17 during the 2021-22 season, prior to the current participation rule.
This injury marks Dončić’s second game back after a brief absence due to a left heel contusion. He has also shown a troubling pattern of left calf issues, having missed significant time in the past, including the first three games of the 2022 playoffs.
Despite Dončić’s absence, the Mavericks have managed to perform well, holding a 6-2 record without him this season. A significant contributor to this success is Kyrie Irving, who has stepped up with an average of 24 points when Dončić is not on the court.
The team also welcomed four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson from the Golden State Warriors during the offseason, adding a potent 3-point threat that has helped the Mavericks cope without their star player.
Naji Marshall, another offseason acquisition, made a strong impact by scoring at least 20 points in each of the first four games Dončić missed due to his wrist injury. Although an illness sidelined Marshall for four games in a five-game span, he has returned to play in the last four contests.
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