Luka Doncic might miss only a couple of weeks after suffering a right ankle sprain in Saturday’s game vs. the Heat, ESPN reports, quoting league sources.
Luka Doncic might be able to return within a couple of weeks after suffering a moderate right ankle sprain last night, sources told ESPN. Doncic likely misses upcoming stretch vs. East power (Bucks, Celtics, 76ers and Raptors this week), but Mavs feel they dodged a bullet.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) December 15, 2019
Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle initially told reporters there would be no further updates until Wednesday and Doncic wouldn’t travel to Milwaukee. Dallas posted one of the most impressive wins of the season on Monday night without Doncic, ending the Bucks’ 18-game winning streak with a 120-116 win. Carlisle indicated Doncic is “responding well to treatment” and is no longer utilizing a walking boot or crutches, though he’ll miss Wednesday’s home game against the Celtics.
Rick Carlisle opened his pregame media session by saying Luka Doncic is out of the walking boot and off crutches. He won't play Wednesday vs. Boston but is responding well to treatment. More updates coming Wednesday, if there are any, he said.
— Eddie Sefko (@ESefko) December 17, 2019
The Mavericks star did not return after spraining his right ankle less than two minutes into Saturday’s home game. He had two points and one rebound before the injury with 10:20 left in the first quarter. X-rays were negative, but Carlisle said after the game he doesn’t expect Doncic to play in Monday’s game at Milwaukee.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski later reported that the sprain is being described as moderate, with colleague Tim MacMahon adding that Doncic had already begun rehabilitation efforts during the game.
Moderate ankle sprain for Doncic, league source tells ESPN. https://t.co/Heq2eiwTbQ
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 15, 2019
Doncic, 20, has established himself as one of the NBA’s best players in his second season, averaging 30.4 points, 9.9 rebounds and 9.3 assists entering Saturday’s action.
