Dallas — On Sunday afternoon, the Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets, the defending NBA champions, will square off. Whether Luka Doncic can play after recovering from a left hamstring injury is still up in the air. Due to left hamstring tightness, Doncic was unable to play in Thursday’s 126-119 loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite being deemed dubious to play against the Nuggets, he took part in practice on Saturday. For USA TODAY Sports, Jerome Miron For USA TODAY Sports, Jerome Miron After Tuesday’s 109-99 victory over the Golden State Warriors, Doncic had an MRI, which came back “clean”. Given that he took part in practice, his reevaluation on Saturday revealed a positive sign about his injury status, as he did not fly to Oklahoma City with the club. Following injuries they sustained against the Thunder, Dante Exum and Josh Green were added to the injured list. Exum is doubtful to play against the Nuggets due to a right plantar fascia strain. Green is out because he hurt his right ankle. How long Green will be out of commission is still to be determined. He was injured against the Thunder in the middle of the first quarter when he stepped on Dereck Lively II’s foot while getting to the floor. Green was declared out of the game after needing assistance getting off the floor and into the locker room. This season, Tim Hardaway Jr. has been a regular option for the Mavs on the wing. Against the Thunder, he scored 23 points, grabbed nine rebounds, dished out three assists, and drained five 3-pointers in his 31 minutes of action. Green’s absence from the starting lineup should allow Hardaway to maintain his significant role. This season, Kyrie Irving has been the Mavs’ obvious secondary threat to Doncic, who has been a major force setting the tone for the team as an initiator. Exum, on the other hand, has assumed a crucial position as a ball handler, either to support Irving and Doncic or to cover for them in the event of an injury. Related: Thunder Loses Against Luka-Less Mavs Even with Kyrie Irving’s Standout Show In the event that Doncic or Exum is unable to play against the Nuggets, Jaden Hardy is a player to keep an eye on for a more significant role. In Doncic’s absence, he played against the Thunder, but if Doncic plays, the backcourt rotation won’t have as much room.
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