Overview
- ESPN’s Shams Charania reports Dončić is expected to suit up Thursday if his Wednesday workout goes smoothly, with a Jordan Luka 5 debut planned if he plays.
- Dončić suffered a left lower‑leg/calf contusion against the Clippers and missed Tuesday’s loss to the Suns, with coach J.J. Redick labeling him day-to-day.
- Los Angeles is 19-9 and has dropped two straight without Dončić, while Austin Reaves returned from injury in the Phoenix game.
- Tip-off against Houston is set for 8 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena, with national coverage on ABC and ESPN.
- Dončić leads the NBA at 34.1 points per game to go with strong rebounds and assists, and he teased the Rockets with a lighthearted Christmas message.