Luka Doncic Injury Update: NBA insider shares latest status of Mavericks star's availability against Clippers

On Saturday, the Dallas Mavericks will take on the LA Clippers without their star, Luka Doncic. The Slovenian star is set to miss his second-straight game due to a left heel contusion. The Mavs will play their second-straight game against the Clippers, following a 118-95 loss on Thursday.

According to Dallas, Doncic did "court work" during their practice on Friday. The star made a few shots on the floor during the team's practice. ESPN's Tim MacMahon revealed that All-Star guard Kyrie Irving is off the injury list for the Mavs.

On Thursday, the Mavs didn't have Irving against the Clippers due to right shoulder soreness. Mavs insider Grant Afseth reported that the 2016 champion participated in the team's practice today.

However, Jaden Hardy, Danté Exum, and Brandon Williams are still out for Dallas.

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Doncic has appeared in 20 games this season and is set to miss his eighth game. In the games he's appeared in, the European star has averaged 28.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists.

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Luka Doncic is still in the top 5 of the MVP race

Luka Doncic has dealt with inconsistencies all season. However, that hasn't stopped him from leading the Mavs and even ranking among the top five candidates for MVP. Last week, Doncic was outside of the top 5 and ranked No. 6 in the MVP ladder.

Doncic's stats against their 143-133 win against the Golden State Warriors of 45 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists helped improve his place on the MVP ladder. With the Mavs rising to the standings, there's a chance the five-time All-Star can win his first MVP award this season.

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Luka Doncic launches a foundation

The Mavs guard launched a foundation aiming to help children learn basketball. According to him, the goal is for the younger generation to learn the sport the right way and in a safe environment.

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“Basketball has been the joy of my life from day one. I still feel the same things today that I did when I was young. When I’m on the court, having fun, it feels like the ball is smiling back at me,” Doncic said in a release distributed by the foundation. “I want young people around the world to have the same chances to experience that joy.

“Sports should be a place where kids can safely learn, grow, laugh, make mistakes and ultimately just have fun. That’s why I’m launching this foundation and bringing together an incredible team to guide our work.”

The Mavs star's nonprofit is receiving direction from a Youth Sports Leadership Council. Bill Duffy, Steph Curry, Sabrina Ionescu, Pau Gasol, Steve Nash, Tracy McGrady, Dirk Nowitzki, and Igor Kokoškov, the former coach of the Slovenian national team, are on the council.

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