Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-105 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. Dallas is looking to take a 2-0 series lead with another road victory on Friday in Game 2. Doncic, however, is listed on the injury report once again.
Luka was listed as probable with a right knee sprain and left ankle soreness on Wednesday before being made available ahead of tip-off. Doncic has battled injury trouble throughout the 2024 NBA playoffs but has yet to miss a game. He has clearly been in pain in a number of games, but Doncic has been able to continue playing nonetheless.
Doncic led Dallas with 33 points in Game 1. He added six rebounds, eight assists, and three steals. Luka scored 15 of his points in the fourth quarter to close out the victory.
The Mavericks have championship aspirations and with just three victories to go before an NBA Finals appearance, the odds of Luka missing a contest are slim.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half in game six of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center.
Doncic is currently listed as probable with his aforementioned knee and ankle injuries, per the NBA injury report. Maxi Kleber (shoulder) and Olivier-Maxence Prosper (ankle) are listed as out. For the Timberwolves, Mike Conley is the only player listed on the injury report. He is questionable with a right soleus strain.
The Mavericks need Doncic. His partnership with Kyrie Irving has become unstoppable at times. Former NBA All-Star Paul Pierce even said they are the “best offensive duo” of all-time.
Kyrie scored 30 points and added five rebounds and four assists in Game 1. He started the game especially strong, scoring 24 points in the first-half. Irving got things started for Dallas, while Doncic helped to seal the victory in the end. Both players are superstars who can carry a team to a win.
It goes without saying, but having Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic on the same team certainly catches opponents’ attention.
The Mavericks understand that the Timberwolves are not going to give up. Minnesota features not only a talented team, but they often play with a lot of energy and motivation. The Timberwolves’ energy was not as high on Wednesday and that was likely a result of the intense Game 7 they had recently played against the Denver Nuggets.
Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards looked exhausted toward the end of Game 1. Edwards has emerged as Minnesota’s leader so fans are expecting him to bounce back in Game 2. The entire Timberwolves team will likely perform at a more all-around competitive level on Friday night.
So Doncic’s final injury status will obviously be of the utmost importance. The Mavericks feature a deep roster, and Kyrie Irving is a superstar. But Dallas plays their best basketball when both Irving and Doncic are available.
When it comes to the question of if Luka Doncic is playing tonight in Game 2 vs. the Timberwolves, though, the answer is probably.
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