NBA Injury Report: Luka Doncic questionable, Joel Embiid questionable and more updates on Kawhi Leonard and Jaylen Brown | February 10, 2023
NBA All-Star starter Luka Doncic has been upgraded to questionable by the Dallas Mavericks for tonight’s game versus the Sacramento Kings. “Luka Legend” injured his heel in the Mavericks’ 111-106 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans last Saturday.
Doncic sat out the last three games and didn’t travel with the team who are on a five-game road trip. The Mavericks were optimistic that if he rejoins the team, he will be close to a return. He has reportedly been spotted with the team, which slightly opens the door for his availability.
Luka Dončić (right heel contusion) is questionable for tomorrow night’s game in Sacramento.
Dāvis Bertāns (left calf strain) and Maxi Kleber (right hamstring tear) will remain out.
The Mavericks, however, will not rush him despite being short-handed. Kyrie Irving, though, has already debuted for Jason Kidd’s squad, leading Dallas to a 110-104 win over the LA Clippers.
After going 0-6 without the soon-to-be four-time NBA All-Star, the Mavericks have just won back-to-back games minus the MVP candidate.
Luka Doncic is averaging an NBA-best 33.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1.5 steals in 47 games for the Mavericks. Dallas’ chance of extending a modest two-game winning run will significantly improve if “Luka Magic” is available.
Meanwhile, Joel Embiid is still questionable for the Philadelphia 76ers as he is playing through a sore left foot. He’s been dealing with that discomfort for over a month already, but has largely been available for the 76ers.
The now-seven-time NBA All-Star played 39 minutes two nights ago against the Boston Celtics but struggled on both ends of the floor. Boston didn’t have its starting frontline of Robert Williams III and Al Horford but still managed to keep Embiid from dominating.
Joel Embiid (foot) listed questionable for Friday.
Embiid’s status for tonight's game against the New York Knicks is uncertain as the 76ers might give him a night off after struggling in Boston.
“The Process” is neck-and-neck with Luka Doncic for the NBA’s scoring title. Joel Embiid is averaging 33.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.6 blocks in 41 games. Without him, the 76ers will be hard-pressed to end their two-game losing skid.
Montrezl Harrell will get another start if Philly’s superstar big man is sidelined.
Kawhi Leonard: Knee injury management
The LA Clippers continue to be extremely cautious with Kawhi Leonard’s knees. He looked like he was back to his All-NBA form but sputtered in the other night’s 110-104 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
The two-time NBA Finals MVP played in the Clippers' last five games but has been ruled out tonight versus the Milwaukee Bucks. He will miss his 27th game of the season when Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks invade Crypto.com Arena.
Kawhi Leonard is OUT for the Clippers tomorrow vs. the Bucks due to knee injury management.
Over his last 10 games, Leonard is averaging 27.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.7 assists. He is also shooting 52.6% from the field, including 46.9% from behind the arc.
The LA Clippers have retooled but will still need a fully healthy Kawhi Leonard in the long run. Nic Batumc could take his place in the starting unit tonight.
Jaylen Brown: Facial fracture; Injured since February 8, 2023
Boston Celtics shooting guard could miss this year’s NBA All-Star game due to a fractured face. He acquired the unfortunate injury after colliding with fellow Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum the other night in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Jaylen Brown suffered a facial fracture on this play and will miss some time, likely through the All-Star break, according to @ShamsCharania.
https://t.co/QREQ0lr43Y
Derrick White could take his spot in the starting rotation tonight versus the Charlotte Hornets.