Injury worry turns to fear for Luka Doncic

Fans of the Dallas Mavericks are having sleepless nights in the run-up to their game against the Portland Trail Blazers (American Airlines Center, Monday 23, 8:30pm ET) as their star man, Luka Doncic, remains on the official injury list.

The ex-Real Madrid player, now shining as one of America’s elite players, caused shockwaves as he failed to return to the playing squad for the third consecutive game with a heel injury. He has been out for a total of 8 fixtures this season.

As of a few hours before the tie, the 25-year-old is listed as ‘questionable’, meaning that while his progress may be going in the right direction, team doctors have not yet given him the green light to step out onto the court for his side who are fighting at the top in the Western Conference standings.

What injury does Luka Doncic have?

The Slovenian picked up a heel contusion on December 18, in between a win against the Warriors and a loss to the Clippers.

This season, Doncic is averaging 28.9 points per game and is also managing to put up 8.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists every time he plays, showcasing his fundamental importance in the side. As for a replacement, Spencer Dinwiddie looks likely to step up, who will play along with the returning Kyrie Irving, a huge boost for Dallas.

Along with Doncic, Exum, Hardy and Williams are all out, meaning head coach Jason Kidd is forced to look for more solutions to supplement his ailing team. McGowens, Minaya, Thybulle and Moore are all out of action for Portland, with Banton questionable with a hip issue.

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