Luka Dončić has been performing at an elite level to start the 2024-25 NBA season, putting up averages of 28.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.6 assists through the first 15 games for the Dallas Mavericks. However, the Slovenian superstar will now be sidelined due to a right wrist sprain. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Dončić is expected to miss at least a week of action and will be reevaluated around Thanksgiving.
The injury occurred during the first quarter of Tuesday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Interestingly, Dončić was also listed as questionable before the game due to a knee issue, but it didn’t seem to affect his performance. He finished the game with 26 points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals, and a block in the Mavericks’ impressive 132-91 victory. Despite playing through the knee discomfort, the wrist injury turned out to be serious enough to force him to miss upcoming games.
At 8-7, the Mavericks are currently sitting in 10th place in the competitive Western Conference. Although the team has Kyrie Irving, who can help shoulder the load in Dončić’s absence, the Western Conference is once again packed with strong teams, and Dallas is already facing a slight deficit in the win column. The Mavericks will need to continue winning to stay in playoff contention, making Dončić’s return a crucial factor in their success moving forward.
For the time being, the Mavs will rely on Irving and other key players to step up. The team’s ability to stay afloat without their star player will be vital as they look to remain competitive in a tight race for the playoffs. The sooner Dončić returns, the better for the Mavericks’ postseason aspirations.
