Mavericks’ Luka Doncic Out for At Least a Month with Calf Injury

The Dallas star’s absence raises concerns over the team’s playoff hopes and Doncic’s eligibility for NBA awards.

Luka Doncic sustained a left calf strain during the Mavericks’ Christmas Day loss to the Timberwolves and will be re-evaluated in a month.
The injury is expected to sideline Doncic for at least 17 games, potentially disqualifying him from MVP and All-NBA honors under the league’s 65-game rule.
Dallas has performed well without Doncic this season, going 6-2 in his absence, but faces a challenging schedule with 11 of the next 17 games against top teams.
Kyrie Irving and other key players, including Klay Thompson and Spencer Dinwiddie, are expected to take on larger roles to maintain the team’s momentum.
The Mavericks, currently fourth in the Western Conference, will begin a four-game road trip against the Phoenix Suns, who are also missing star Devin Booker.