The Dallas Mavericks are looking to break a four-game losing streak as they face off against the Memphis Grizzlies. They will be faced with tough competition during the Monday night game in Memphis without Luka Doncic.
Doncic will not be playing tonight against the Grizzlies due to a left calf strain he sustained during the Mavericks’ Christmas Day loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. His absence is particularly significant as the Mavericks are also missing star point guard Kyrie Irving, who is sidelined with a lumbar back sprain.
Mavs are now 10-1 without Luka Doncic. Do they even need him?
— Mostly Biased🌏🐅 (@Mostly_Biased) January 4, 2025
"Everyone gets touches and runs with pace when he's out." – An anonymous source said. pic.twitter.com/MJqWFTuoph
With a current record of 20-15, the Mavericks sit sixth in the Western Conference. But their recent struggles have given them a disadvantageous momentum against a strong Grizzlies team. Dallas has historically performed well against their Southwest Division rivals, boasting a 4-2 record against them this season.
However, the absence of key player Luka Doncic due to a calf injury looms large. And that puts additional pressure on Kyrie Irving to lead the team. But this time, Irving finds himself out of the starting lineup as well.
Luka Doncic’s Video From Sidelines Is Going Viral
This will be a test of the times for Mavs without two of their top stars. They have a 0-3 record when Doncic and Irving are out of the lineup. On the other hand, the Grizzlies are standing at 23-13 and third in the Western Conference. Although, things are not looking to be heading in a good direction for Luka.
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10 days after the injury. Luka can barely step on his foot. I want to die. pic.twitter.com/l0V08hrhDG
— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) January 5, 2025
Doncic’s recent video during the Cleveland Cavaliers game is going viral. In the clip, the star guard was seen hobbling toward a medical scooter, clearly unable to bear weight on his injured leg. This distressing moment comes as Doncic is still recovering from a calf strain with the team initially suggesting a month-long recovery. And watching him struggling to walk is something no Mavs fan would wish to see.
Monday’s game would be equally challenging for both teams. Other than Dallas’ injury woe, the Grizzlies are coming into the game with a mixed recent form of 5-5 over their last ten matches. It will pose a tough task for Dallas to stand face to face against Memphis who excel in ball distribution.
Also Read: Luka Doncic Receives Concerning Injury Update That Might Shatter Mavs Star’s MVP Hopes This Season
