Is Luka Doncic playing tonight? Latest Injury update for Lakers vs. Mavs
By Ian Levy
The Lakers and Mavericks are locked in a battle to avoid the NBA Play-In Tournament. Will Luka Doncic be available for their head-to-head matchup tonight?
For a regular season game in March, the stakes are incredibly high tonight as the Mavericks travel to Los Angeles to take on the Lakers. While they’re currently sitting at No. 8 and No. 10 in the Western Conference standings, respectively, a win by the Lakers would push them into a tie for the No. 8 seed. If the Minnesota Timberwolves also lose tonight, they’re playing the Bulls, the result would be a three-way tie for the No. 7 seed. And both teams are within striking distance of the Golden State Warriors for the No. 6 seed, a slot that would allow them to avoid the Play-In Tournament entirely.
In addition to their nascent rivalry, this game may also have some extra heat because of Kyrie Irving. He was acquired by the Mavs at the trade deadline despite reported mutual interest between him and the Lakers. As the Mavs have struggled the Lakers loomed as a potential free-agent landing spot for Kyrie this summer, but recent rumors say they’re not interested.
On paper, this game has plenty of star power but the injury report will really dictate which team has the upper hand.
Injury update: Will Luka Doncic be available against the Lakers?
Doncic is currently listed as out on the latest NBA injury update, with a left thigh contusion. Kyrie Irving is also questionable with right foot soreness and shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. is questionable as well with a left calf contusion.
On the other side, the Lakers will definitely be without LeBron James who is recovering from a foot injury. Mo Bamba is out with an ankle sprain and Anthony Davis is listed as probable for a lingering foot injury.
This is an uber-important game but, with so many injuries, it may come down to which supporting cast can step up and help fill the gaps.
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