Mavs' Upgrade Injury Status for Luka Doncic, Derrick Jones Jr. Before Lakers Matchup

Luka Doncic and Derrick Jones Jr. were upgraded on the latest Mavs injury report ahead of Wednesday's matchup against the Lakers.

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks gained Dereck Lively II back in the lineup for Monday's 125-120 win over the New Orleans Pelicans after a five-game injury absence. There is positive momentum toward a looming return for Luka Doncic, who has missed the Mavs' four previous games due to a right ankle sprain. 

The Mavs submitted their injury report to the NBA ahead of Wednesday's matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, listing Doncic as questionable. 

“We can only hope the California sun helps heal us,” Mavs coach Jason Kidd said when asked about Doncic's status Monday. 

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Other players listed on the injury report include Derrick Jones Jr. (right calf contusion) and Grant Williams (right ankle sprain) as probable to play against the Lakers. Dante Exum will remain sidelined with a right plantar sprain. 

Kyrie Irving, Tim Hardaway Jr. Score Combined 83 Points, Lead Mavs Victory vs. Pelicans

Kyrie Irving and Tim Hardaway Jr. have stepped up significantly for the Mavs amid the recent slew of injuries, combining to score 83 points against the Pelicans. Irving had 42 points, while Hardaway scored 41 points. Irving was dominant throughout Dallas' seven-game homestand, averaging 34.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.0 assists. Meanwhile, the Mavs received an average of 21.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists from Hardaway throughout that same stretch. 

"It's the second time in franchise history that two guys scored 40 points. Last year, Kai and Luka did it," Kidd said of Irving and Hardaway. "This afternoon, Timmy (Tim Hardaway Jr.) was huge for us — he kept us in there, he made some big shots. But Kai was steady the whole afternoon; he just took what they gave him. He's been doing this on this homestand. He's leading us, and guys are following. He puts us in a position to win."

The Mavs have dealt with many injuries on the wing throughout the season, with Hardaway proving the ability to step into the starting lineup when needed and make an impact. When the team has been healthy enough, Hardaway has thrived in the sixth-man role that he was challenged before the season to embrace.

“He’s the substitute teacher in the starting lineup, and he’s being a pro about it,” Kidd said of Hardaway. “We’ve asked him to come off the bench, we’ve asked him to start, we’ve asked him to guard Zion, we’re asking him to guard everybody. He’s just a pro.”

The Mavs have continued to deal with a significant amount of injuries. Still, with Maxi Kleber and Lively both recently returning to action, along with Doncic and Jones receiving upgraded statuses, there has been a lot of progress toward getting healthy. 

“With all the injuries, it’s unclear [what kind of team we are],” Kidd said. “With all the injuries, I think we’re setting a franchise record here with different starting lineups. But, we can’t complain, every team is going to go through it.”

At the halfway mark of the season, the Mavs have managed to go 27-14, the best start the team has achieved since the 2019-20 season. After Doncic returns to the lineup — whenever that may be — it'll bring the team that much closer to being in prime position to build continuity with its main players.