While there are grades of ankle sprains, ask anyone trying to walk around on one if there is a “mild” version.
Yet that’s what Mavericks sources say about Luka Doncic’s ankle sprain suffered against the Suns on Thursday night. He is “day-to-day” with the injury, a story first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN (and since confirmed by others).
After hurting his left ankle in victory over Suns on Thursday, Mavericks All-Star Luka Doncic is expected to be day-to-day with what's described as a "mild sprain," sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 27, 2023
Doncic has been playing through ankle soreness in recent weeks and it’s fair to expect the Mavericks to give him a few games off. However, it can’t be too many for a team fighting for a playoff spot, the Mavs are 0-5 in games Doncic has rested this season and have been outscored by 5.3 points per 100 possessions this season when he sits (although they did beat the Suns largely without him Thursday). Doncic is an All-Star starter averaging 33.8 points, 9.1 rebounds and 8.6 assists a game.
Dallas plays next on Saturday against the Jazz. It would be a surprise to see Doncic suit up for that game.
Source confirms @wojespn’s report: Luka Doncic is “day-to-day” with left ankle sprain.
— Callie Caplan (@CallieCaplan) January 27, 2023
No major concerns, as was clear after game last night.
Mavs have to submit injury report by 5 p.m. MT with Luka’s official status for tomorrow vs. Jazz. Expect it will come well before then.