Mavericks’ Luka Doncic (heel injury) out vs. Warriors, will not travel to start road trip

For the second time in a week, the Mavericks are monitoring a Luka Doncic injury.
Doncic underwent an MRI on Friday for a right heel contusion and will play Saturday against the Golden State Warriors, coach Jason Kidd said after practice.
Doncic and Davis Bertans (who also underwent an MRI on Friday for a left calf strain) will not travel with the Mavericks to start this five-game road trip Friday afternoon, but Kidd did not rule out the possibility of Doncic rejoining the team and returning to play at some point before they return to Dallas.
“It’s too soon to give an update on that,” Kidd said. “As we look at the MRI, I think we’ll be able to give an update of status.”
Jason Kidd said Luka Doncic (right heel contusion) will not travel with the Mavericks today to San Francisco, and it’s too soon to know how long he’ll miss.
But didn’t rule him out from rejoining team and playing at some point on this 5-game road trip. — Callie Caplan (@CallieCaplan) February 3, 2023
Doncic suffered the injury about five minutes into the third quarter Thursday night when he went up for a dunk, had his shot blocked from behind and struck his right heel on the court as he landed hard on his backside.
At first, he returned to the game after an ensuing timeout, but after one possession, he shook his head at Kidd and limped to the locker room.
Six days earlier, Doncic twisted his left ankle in the opening minutes Jan. 26 against Phoenix and missed one game with a mild sprain.
In the six full games Doncic has sat out this season — including five for rest on the second night of a back-to-back — the Mavericks are 0-6 and again against New Orleans showed signs of disjointed confusion on offense after their superstar exited.
The Pelicans outscored Dallas 47-29 after the Mavericks led by 27 at the time of Doncic’s injury. A blown no-call that officials admitted to minutes after the final buzzer helped the Mavericks preserve a 111-106 victory.
In good news: starting center Christian Wood practiced Friday for the first time since fracturing his left thumb Jan. 18 and said, though he won’t play Saturday against the Warriors, he expects to return Monday against the Utah Jazz or Wednesday against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Kidd also said forward Maxi Kleber (right hamstring surgery) progressed to a 1-on-1 workouts Friday as he aims to return in the coming weeks.
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