NBA Injury Report: Luka Doncic questionable, Kyrie Irving questionable and more updates on James Harden and Anthony Edwards (March 22, 2023)
NBA superstar Luka Doncic remains questionable for the Dallas Mavericks when they take on the Golden State Warriors tonight. “Luka Legend” has missed the Mavs’ last five games due to a left thigh strain.
Doncic was upgraded to questionable Monday in Dallas’ 112-108 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. He has been a full participant in practices and could finally return to play for the struggling team. The Mavericks were just 2-3 during Doncic’s recent absence.
Luka Dončić (left thigh strain), Kyrie Irving (right foot soreness) and Markieff Morris (left knee soreness) are all questionable for tomorrow night’s game against the Warriors.
The four-time All-Star is averaging 33.0 points, second-best in the NBA, 8.6 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He leads the Mavericks in each of the aforementioned categories, which makes his unavailability very glaring.
After losing to the Grizzlies, the Mavericks (36-36) are in eighth spot in the Western Conference. They are, however, just one game ahead of the LA Lakers (35-37), who are in 11th place with a possible elimination from playoff contention.
The Dallas Mavericks badly need one of the NBA’s elite players to keep their playoff hopes going. Josh Green will likely keep his place in the starting rotation if “Luka Magic” isn’t available.
Meanwhile, Doncic's backcourt mate Kyrie Irving is still on the injury report as questionable. He has had that designation in the Mavs’ last three games but has been able to play in the last two. Irving has been playing through a right foot soreness.
Without “Luka Legend,” defenses have keyed in on Irving with more double teams. Irving has been spectacular in the last two games but needs his teammates to step up when they go up against the defending NBA champs.
Kyrie Irving (foot) questionable for Wednesday.
Jaden Hardy or Tim Hardaway Jr. could be inserted into Jason Kidd’s starting lineup if Irving is unable to play.
James Harden: Left Achilles soreness; Injured since: March 20, 2023
Former NBA MVP James Harden sat out the Philadelphia 76ers game against the Indiana Pacers last Saturday to get some rest. He returned just in time to play against the Chicago Bulls on Monday night. Harden struggled, hitting just 2-14 from the field, including 0-6 from behind the arc.
“The Beard” has now been ruled questionable versus the Pacers due to a sore left Achilles. Given how he has struggled over his last three games, there's a chance that the 76ers could give him another rest.
James Harden (Achilles) listed questionable for Wednesday.
Harden, who was snubbed off the All-Star game, is averaging 21.4 points, an NBA-best 10.8 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals. Philly will certainly miss his services if he isn’t available tonight.
De’Anthony Melton could see another chance to start if Harden isn’t playing.
Anthony Edwards: Right ankle sprain; Injured since March 17, 2023
First-time NBA All-Star Anthony Edwards has been ruled questionable for the Minnesota Timberwolves matchup tonight against the Atlanta Hawks. He has missed the last two games due to a sprained right ankle.
Anthony Edwards (ankle) questionable for Wednesday.
The Timberwolves are confident that he will not be out for long. He might be in the starting lineup tonight based on the training staff’s evaluation.
If “Ant-Man” doesn’t play tonight, he could suit up again for Minnesota on March 26 versus the Golden State Warriors.