NBA Injury Report: Luka Doncic probable, Darius Garland questionable and more updates on Ben Simmons and Evan Mobley | December 31, 2022
Luka Doncic, currently the NBA’s hottest player, has been listed as probable by the Dallas Mavericks for tonight’s encounter versus the San Antonio Spurs. He has reportedly been dealing with left ankle soreness over the last few games.
Given the way he has been terrorizing opponents in that span, it’s very likely the soreness is more of an inconvenience rather than a concern. There is a big chance that the three-time NBA player will be available for his team tonight.
The Mavericks say Luka Dončić (left ankle soreness) is probable for Saturday night's game in San Antonio
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The Dallas Mavericks are currently on a five-game run with Doncic’s blistering form likely to push that streak to six games. It would be very unfortunate if basketball fans do not see the hottest show in the NBA on the court today.
Luka Doncic has been on an unprecedented tear over the last two games. He put up a combined stat of 95 points, 33 rebounds and 23 assists. In his last four games, he is averaging 44.3 points, 12.5 rebounds and 10.5 assists. “Luka Magic” is also hitting 57.8% of his shots.
Unless something drastic happens, expect the three-time NBA All-Star to put on another show in San Antonio.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Darius Garland could miss his team’s matchup versus the Chicago Bulls tonight. He is dealing with a right thumb sprain, which he acquired in the Cavs’ 135-126 loss to the Indiana Pacers last Thursday.
The NBA All-Star guard managed to play 35 minutes and ended with 18 points and a team-high eight assists. However, the injury was serious enough that he didn’t practice last Friday.
After a five-game winning run, the Cleveland Cavaliers are now in a three-game losing slump even with Darius Garland in the lineup. Losing him will be a big blow even if they’re going up against the struggling Bulls.
#Cavs Darius Garland officially questionable tomorrow with a sprained right thumb
cleveland.com/cavs/2022/12/d…
The four-year guard is averaging 21.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 7.8 assists and 1.3 steals in 30 games. He has been the Cavs’ best playmaker and makes life easier for his NBA All-Star teammates Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen.
If he is unable to play tonight, Caris LeVert and Raul Neto should log more minutes.
Ben Simmons: Non-Covid illness since December 29, 2022
The Brooklyn Nets, the NBA’s hottest team, have listed Ben Simmons as probable for tonight’s encounter with the Charlotte Hornets. He is dealing with a non-Covid related illness and did not practice last Friday.
Simmons has played a key role in the Nets’ 10-game winning run and will be badly missed if he sits out another game. In his last 10 games, “Big Ben” has averaged 6.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists. He has also been the Nets' best defender.
Ben Simmons (non-Covid illness) and Edmond Sumner (right thumb contusion) are probable for the #Nets tomorrow. Joe Harris (knee), David Duke Jr., Kessler Edwards (G League assignment), and Alondes Williams are out vs. the #Hornets.
The Nets’ starting point guard isn’t back to his All-Star form, but he has found his role and rhythm with the Nets. If he is in street clothes tonight in Charlotte, he should be back on Monday when the San Antonio Spurs visit Barclays Center.
Evan Mobley: Right ankle soreness; Injured since December 29, 2022
Evan Mobley could miss his first NBA game this season after the Cleveland Cavaliers listed him as questionable. He has a sore right ankle and could be unavailable tonight when they take on the Chicago Bulls.
Mobley has continued his impressive rookie season by averaging 14.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. He is arguably the Cavs’ best defender, who has steadily improved his offensive game.
Evan Mobley (ankle) listed questionable for Saturday.
Kevin Love and Lamar Stevens are expected to play more minutes if Mobley sits out the game tonight.