Mavericks' Luka Doncic Sidelined With Bruised Right Knee, Will Miss Game Versus Thunder

Dallas Star Expected to Return Soon

Injury Update and Team Outlook

The Dallas Mavericks have announced that star point guard Luka Doncic will miss their upcoming game against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to a bruised right knee.

Doncic suffered the injury during the Mavericks' victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. He collided with Pelicans center Willy Hernangomez during the first quarter and was forced to leave the game. X-rays taken after the game were negative, but an MRI revealed the bone bruise.

The Mavericks have not provided a timetable for Doncic's return, but the team is hopeful that he will be able to play in their next game against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday.

In the meantime, the Mavericks will be without their leading scorer, rebounder, and assist man. Doncic is averaging 27.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game this season.

The Mavericks will need to find a way to replace Doncic's production while he is out. Jalen Brunson is expected to start in Doncic's place, and he will likely be asked to shoulder a heavier load on the offensive end.

The Mavericks are also hoping to get more production from their bench, which has struggled at times this season. Theo Pinson and Frank Ntilikina are both capable of providing some scoring and playmaking off the bench, and the Mavericks will need them to step up in Doncic's absence.

Despite the absence of Doncic, the Mavericks should still be able to compete with the Thunder. Oklahoma City is currently the worst team in the Western Conference, and they have lost 10 of their last 11 games.

The Mavericks will be looking to extend their winning streak to three games when they face the Thunder on Sunday night.