Luka Doncic Headlines Mavs Injury Report for Nuggets Matchup

Mavs superstar Luka Doncic headlines the team's injury ahead of Sunday's matchup against the reigning NBA champion Nuggets.

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks are set to take on the reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets on Sunday afternoon. It remains to be seen if Luka Doncic will be available to play as he records from a left hamstring injury. 

Doncic missed Thursday's 126-119 loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to left hamstring soreness. He is considered questionable to play against the Nuggets but participated in Saturday's practice. 

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Doncic underwent an MRI following Tuesday's 109-99 victory over the Golden State Warriors, with "clean" results. Since he did not travel with the team to Oklahoma City, he was re-evaluated on Saturday, indicating a favorable sign of his injury status, considering he participated in practice.  

Dante Exum and Josh Green were added to the injury report after suffering injuries against the Thunder. Exum now has a right plantar fascia sprain and is questionable to play against the Nuggets. Green, who sprained his right ankle, has been ruled out. 

It remains to be seen how long Green will remain sidelined. He suffered his injury midway through the first quarter against the Thunder when he stepped on Dereck Lively II's foot while getting up the floor. Green had to be helped off the court and into the locker room before being ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Tim Hardaway Jr. has been a frequent option on the wing for the Mavs this season. He played 31 minutes against the Thunder and recorded 23 points, nine rebounds, and three assists while making five 3-pointers. With Green out of the lineup, Hardaway should be in line to continue playing an important role. 

The Mavs have relied heavily on Doncic to set the tone for the group as an initiator this season, with Kyrie Irving as a natural secondary threat. However, Exum has stepped into an essential role as a ball handler, whether complementing Doncic and Irving or filling in for one of them during an injury. 

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If Doncic or Exum cannot play against the Nuggets, Jaden Hardy is a name to watch regarding a more substantial role. He received minutes against the Thunder amid Doncic's absence, but if Doncic plays, there won't be as much room in the backcourt rotation. 

More updates regarding Doncic and Exum's playing status are expected closer to tipoff against the Nuggets. Stay tuned to DallasBasketball.com for the latest developments.