The Dallas Mavericks will have the opportunity to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 3-1 on their home court later today.
After Dallas’ decisive victory in Game 3 over the weekend, the Mavs can seize complete control of the series with a victory today. The sooner Dallas can wrap up this series, the better. It would be very difficult and an uphill struggle for the Thunder to win three games in a row and win the series.
Despite finishing the third game with a solid 22 points and 15 rebounds, Luka Doncic’s knee ailment is still a concern.
An update on Luka Doncic’s injuries is provided before Game 4 against Thunder.
Doncic revealed after Game 3 that he re-injured his knee late in the game while attempting to split two defenders. On that play, Doncic jokingly remarked, “obviously nobody touched (him)” and that “everything” aches. Later, he discussed the advantages of getting extra sleep because Game 3 was played during the day.
Compared to if they had to travel or played a night game, Doncic will get a few extra hours of sleep, and he needs every bit of it right now. He appeared to be moving more fluidly in Game 3 than he did in Games 1 and 2, but a back injury he sustained near the end of the game should be watched going forward in this series.
Doncic crashed squarely on his back as he and Lu Dort grappled for a stray ball in midair. Despite Doncic’s assurances that it is “the least of (his) problems” and that “(he’ll) get better in two days,” it is important to monitor this injury going forward.
Adding a back ailment to his right knee sprain and left ankle soreness—which are already marked as questionable on today’s injury report—would be unfavorable for Doncic. He gave the impression that this was nothing major at all, but the outcome of tonight’s game will reveal whether or not this had an impact on him.
Keep checking back for the most recent information on Luka Doncic, the Dallas Mavericks, their series with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the 2024 NBA Playoffs.