NBA Injury Report: Luka Doncic questionable, Kyrie Irving questionable and more updates on Anthony Edwards and Ja Morant (March 20, 2023)
NBA superstar Luka Doncic has been upgraded to questionable for the Dallas Mavericks game against the Memphis Grizzlies. “Luka Legend” has sat out the last four games due to a left thigh strain. Dallas is 2-2 in their last four games without Doncic.
Dallas head coach Jason Kidd designated him day-to-day three games ago but has kept him sidelined. Doncic was a full participant in the Mavericks’ last practice, which opened the door for his return.
Luka Dončić (left thigh strain), Kyrie Irving (right foot soreness) and Markieff Morris (left knee soreness) are all questionable for tomorrow night’s in Memphis.
The former NBA Rookie of the Year winner will be crucial for Dallas’ quest to at least make the play-in tourney. Doncic was a legitimate MVP candidate before the team’s win-loss record torpedoed his chances.
The Mavericks, however, can still finish with an outright playoff berth as they currently have a 36-35 record. They badly need to string together wins to keep the sixth seed or push forward. Any loss will complicate their chances of avoiding the play-in tournament.
The four-time NBA All-Star leads the Dallas Mavericks in points (33.0 PPG), rebounds (8.6 RPG), assists (8.0 APG) and steals (1.5 SPG). His presence would be invaluable if he is cleared to play.
Josh Green could continue to be a part of Jason Kidd’s starting unit if Luka Doncic is unavailable again.
Meanwhile, Doncic’s superstar backcourt teammate, Kyrie Irving, remains questionable. “Uncle Drew” had the same designation last Friday but played a crucial role in the Mavericks' spectacular come-from-behind win against the LA Lakers.
The NBA All-Star point guard didn’t seem bothered by a sore right foot as he played a game-high 39 minutes. Irving finished with 38 points, six rebounds and six assists. Dallas outscored LA by 11 points when he was on the floor.
Kyrie Irving (foot) questionable for Monday.
Like Doncic, Kyrie Irving reportedly practiced with the team, which could mean that he’s available again tonight. Irving is averaging 28.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.1 steals in 12 games for the Dallas Mavericks.
Tim Hardaway Jr. or Jaden Hardy could replace him in the starting unit if he’s unfit to play.
Anthony Edwards: Right ankle sprain; Injured since March 17, 2023
Anthony Edwards injured his right ankle in the first quarter of the game between the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves last March 17. The NBA All-Star guard played just eight minutes before exiting the game.
Edwards then sat out last Saturday’s game versus the Toronto Raptors. Surprisingly, he has been upgraded to questionable by the Timberwolves. Considering he was using a walking boot after spraining his right ankle, his recovery has just been incredible.
Anthony Edwards (ankle) questionable for Monday.
Minnesota desperately needs Edwards to carry the team to at least a play-in spot. They’ve lost back-to-back games without him and are 4-6 in their last 10 matches. The Timberwolves are currently in 9th place with a 35-37 record.
The Timberwolves will be hard-pressed to punch a play-in ticket if one of the NBA’s most explosive players is compromised.
Ja Morant: Return to competition conditioning
The NBA suspended Ja Morant for eight games for his controversial Instagram post where he was seen brandishing a gun inside a nightclub. Fortunately, more than half of the suspension was already served when the official announcement was made.
Tonight marks the first time Morant will be eligible to play for the Memphis Grizzlies. The team, however, will not rush him as he will remain out as he ramps up his conditioning.
Ja Morant (conditioning) ruled out for Monday.
Memphis can afford to take their time with him as they hold a 43-27 record, which is third in the Western Conference. They’re likely to finish the season inside the top four and have guaranteed home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
The two-time NBA All-Star could return during one of the back-to-back games against the Houston Rockets on Mar. 22 and 24.