UPDATE: Jan. 31, 5:16 p.m. — Per coach Rick Carlisle via a radio show, the Mavericks will be without Luka Doncic for the next six games.
BREAKING: Rick Carlisle on his radio show on @1033fmESPN says Luka Doncic has been ruled out for the next 6 games
— Mike Peasley (@PeasESPN) January 31, 2020
Now, this isn’t a definitive timeline, but it is from the coach’s mouth. There was a report earlier stating that Doncic could miss up to two weeks, so this is in line with that timeline. It may be a move by Dallas to ensure that Luka is healthy for the All-Star Game, in which he is heavily involved.
Fantasy basketball analysis: Dallas Mavericks G/F Luka Doncic
So with Doncic out an extended period of time, we can now look to options on the waiver wire to replace him. Seth Curry and Delon Wright are good choices, considering both of them are likely available off the wire. We saw earlier in the season, however, that Jalen Brunson was the guy to pick up. I’d expect Brunson will start Friday vs. the Rockets and see a decent amount of run with Wright also in the mix.
UPDATE: Jan. 31, 1:06 p.m. — Doncic underwent an MRI and his ankle sprain is considered “manageable,” Marc Stein of The New York Times reported. Doncic is still not expected to play Friday vs. the Rockets and could miss up to two weeks.
No definitive recovery time frame yet on the Maverics' Luka Doncic, but one source briefed on his condition described Thursday's injury in practice as a "manageable ankle sprain." Doncic missed four games in December with a similar injury
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 31, 2020
I'm told that MRI on Doncic revealed the Mavericks' hoped-for best-case scenario: A moderate sprain, similar to the one he suffered in mid-December, causing him to miss four games. One source estimates this time, "two weeks, give or take."
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) January 31, 2020
UPDATE: Jan. 30, 3:33 p.m. — Doncic has already been ruled out for Friday’s game vs. the Rockets, as he won’t be traveling with the team to Houston.
I’m told Doncic not traveling to Houston, will get an MRI, most likely tomorrow. Extent of ankle injury not yet known.
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) January 30, 2020
As I mentioned below, it’s the same ankle Doncic injured back in December, so it may hold him out of some games. There’s not reason for the Mavs to risk Luka injuring the ankle any further. It’s unclear if this means he’ll end up sitting out of the All-Star Game, but that’s still a few more weeks away.
As for Friday, I mentioned Hardaway and Wright as strong plays. Kristaps Porzingis should be more involved if he’s good to go. Hardaway is questionable, so we’ll have to see on him. If Both Doncic and THJ are sidelined, Wright is a lock for cash. I’d also consider Seth Curry a decent value play.
Dallas Mavericks All-Star G/F Luka Doncic turned his ankle at practice and his status for Friday vs. the Houston Rockets is unclear. It was the same ankle Doncic injured earlier in the season, causing him to miss four games in December.
Luka turned his right ankle in practice. pic.twitter.com/8Fw8HdA4VW
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) January 30, 2020
Coach Rick Carlisle says above that Luka’s up in the air for Friday and he’s receiving treatment, so we’ll have to wait and see. My guess is Doncic is going to be listed as questionable or we’ll get word at 5:30 p.m. ET tonight when the injury report for Friday comes out.
Fantasy basketball analysis: Dallas Mavericks G/F Luka Doncic
If Doncic is held out against the Rockets, a few players stand out as values. Tim Hardaway Jr. would be an enticing GPP play on DraftKings and a decent streamer if he’s available in season-long. We’ve seen THJ step up on offense when Luka is out. Delon Wright would be a good chalk value play if he starts at PG. Even if he doesn’t start, Wright could see between 25-30 minutes.