DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks are coming off a 122-96 loss against the Houston Rockets without Luka Doncic in the lineup.
The team will look to bounce back quickly with Saturday’s matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. On the injury report the Mavs submitted to the NBA ahead of Saturday’s game, Doncic, and Dante Exum were not listed after missing Friday’s game.
Both players will return to the lineup. However, Kyrie Irving (right heel contusion), Dereck Lively II (left ankle sprain), Josh Green (right elbow sprain), and Max Kleber (right small toe dislocation) continue to be ruled out. It remains to be seen when many of the Mavs’ injured key players will return to the lineup.
Dallas has chosen not to provide detail in injury updates, with coach Jason Kidd stating timetables will not be provided. Instead, the team will inform reporters when players are set to return when they can play. “We’ll let you know on the timetable so you guys don’t have to ask,” Kidd said.
“That’s just one less question you have to ask. We’ll say a timetable when guys are coming back. If we say they’re out, they’re out.” Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports Without Doncic, Irving, Lively, Exum, Green, or Kleber in the lineup against the Rockets, the Mavs had more regular rotation players out than available.
After shooting 35-101 (34.7 percent) from the floor and 7-40 (17.5 percent) from beyond the arc in Houston, Doncic’s absence was majorly felt.
“It just puts things in perspective how important Luka is to the team and the things that he creates for everyone,” Kidd said. The Mavs’ message remains to not dwell on the loss against the Rockets but quickly prepare to respond with a victory against the rebuilding Spurs on Saturday when the two teams face off at American Airlines Center.
“The biggest thing is to rest up, get a good night’s sleep, and get back in tune with the guys that are coming back and playing tomorrow, and just learn from this and be ready,” Kidd said.
“(The Spurs) have good players on their side. The NBA has a lot of games, so you can’t dwell on this one.” After facing the Spurs, the Mavs will play on Christmas Day against the Phoenix Suns.
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