Mavs Rule Out Luka Doncic & Kyrie Irving vs. Timberwolves
MINNEAPOLIS — After a 113-110 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers after holding a 20-point lead, the Dallas Mavericks are set to play a challenging game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on the second night of a back-to-back on Thursday, without Luka Doncic or Kyrie Irving in the lineup.
The Mavs submitted an injury report that includes Doncic (left quad soreness), Irving (right heel contusion), Maxi Kleber (right small toe dislocation), and Greg Brown III (G League) on Thursday.
There was uncertainty about Doncic potentially playing against the Timberwolves after logging 37 minutes against the Cavs. Mavs coach Jason Kidd said before Wednesday's game the team will "see what happens tomorrow" regarding Doncic's status for Thursday but that back-to-backs will be a "case-by-case" process.
"He's carrying a heavy load right now," Mavs coach Jason Kidd said before Wednesday's game. "Back-to-backs, we're going take it day-by-day. We'll focus on tonight then we'll see how he's feeling, then see what happens tomorrow. It'll be case-by-case."
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The Mavs have not offered a timetable for Irving's return, but he remains in the ramp-up process to return to competition. A player's return tends to be determined depending on how the body responds daily. When asked about it, there hasn't been a formal update about a return timetable.
"No [timetable]," Kidd said of Irving on Wednesday. "His rehab is going well. So, we'll see."
Doncic has averaged 33.7 points, 9.2 assists, and 8.4 rebounds in 29 games this season. The Mavs have gone 18-11 when he's in the lineup while going 0-2 when he is unable to play. Amid a prolonged struggle to get and stay healthy, the Mavs have gone 7-7 in December and have lost four of their last six games.
Josh Green returned to the Mavs' lineup on Wednesday after being sidelined for a 12-game period. He recorded two points, three rebounds, five assists, and two steals in 21 minutes. With a shorthanded perimeter group, he will likely be leaned on more to make an impact, along with Dante Exum, Seth Curry, Tim Hardaway Jr, and Jaden Hardy.
