Luka Doncic Misses Dallas Mavs Shootaround; Status vs. Denver Nuggets

Mavs superstar Luka Doncic was absent from the team's morning shootaround at Ball Arena before facing Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets.

DENVER — The Dallas Mavericks are set to face off against the Denver Nuggets on Monday night with no shortage of crucial players on the injury report. Luka Doncic was a late addition after missing the team's morning shootaround at Ball Arena. 

Doncic was a late addition to the injury report, the Mavs listing him as probable to play due to illness. However, he's expected to play against the Nuggets, as he's labeled "probable" on the report. 

The Mavs have already ruled out Kyrie Irving (right heel contusion), Dereck Lively II (left ankle sprain), Josh Green (right elbow sprain), and Maxi Kleber (right small toe dislocation). The team could be further depleted at the center position depending on Richaun Holmes' ultimate availability, as he's questionable due to illness. 

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On Monday, the NBA named Doncic the Western Conference Player of the Week from Dec. 11 to Dec. 17. He led the Mavs to a 3-1 record, averaging 36.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 11.5 assists, and 1.5 steals in 41.0 minutes per game. He shot 49.0 percent from the floor, 35.9 percent from the perimeter, and 96.9 percent on free throws.

“It’s not easy, trust me,” Doncic said. “I’m just trying to read the game. I always accept what the defense gives me. I look at what they’re doing.

“They let me play a lot of minutes, but I’ve been feeling good. I’m just out there playing basketball, so I’ve been feeling great.”

Mavs' Luka Doncic Earns 10th Career West Player of the Week Award

The production Doncic provides the Mavs has earned him high praise from teammates. Markieff Morris recently questioned why the Slovenian superstar hasn't been receiving enough MVP buzz. 

“I played with some great players, but when I tell you the game is just so easy to him," Morris said. "I’ve never seen nobody damn near walk through the game. He plays the same way in practice. It’s just his skill.”

The Mavs will return to action on Wednesday when they face the Los Angeles Clippers, continuing a week of tough upcoming opponents followed by competing against the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs on a back-to-back.