Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic was downgraded to questionable on Friday’s harm report, citing a proper knee sprain and left ankle soreness, forward of Saturday afternoon’s Recreation 3 matchup with the top-seeded Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder within the Western Convention semifinals.
Nonetheless, Doncic was upgraded to possible on Saturday morning for his knee harm. The five-time All-Star guard has been enjoying on the sprained knee since struggling that harm in Recreation 3 of Dallas’ first-round collection in opposition to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Through the fourth quarter of Thursday evening’s 119-110 Recreation 2 win at Oklahoma Metropolis, Doncic was noticed hobbling and grabbing his left ankle after getting his ft twisted up with Thunder reserve guard Cason Wallace.
The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder haven’t any accidents to report, whereas the Dallas Mavericks checklist Luka Doncic (knee) as questionable. pic.twitter.com/cz9FlzRDJd
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) Might 10, 2024
Doncic remained within the sport and drained a step-back 3-pointer on the Mavericks’ subsequent possession. He completed with 29 factors, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists within the series-tying victory.
“I feel that was one of many hardest video games I’ve needed to play,” Doncic mentioned postgame. “I’m battling on the market making an attempt to do my greatest to assist the group win.
“He simply stepped on my foot, however nothing critical. I do know he didn’t do it on function, so nothing critical. We simply thought it was a foul. Different folks would get a foul name on that one.”
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (knee, ankle) is anticipated to play in Recreation 3 in opposition to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
Doncic, the NBA’s regular-season scoring champion, is averaging 28.4 factors, 8.6 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per sport throughout the playoffs. The six-year veteran averaged profession highs of 33.9 factors, 9.8 assists, and 37.5 minutes within the common season.
For fascinating betting developments, the Thunder are 10-1 of their final 11 video games and 9-3 in opposition to the unfold of their previous 12 conferences with Dallas. Oklahoma Metropolis can be 2-5 ATS in its earlier seven contests.
In the meantime, the Mavericks are 9-2 ATS of their final 11 residence video games and 5-12 of their previous 17 contests performed on a Saturday. The purpose whole has gone over in 4 of Dallas’ earlier 5 video games as effectively.
Defend residence court docket.
🏀 Recreation 3
🆚 @okcthunder
⌚ 2:30PM CT
📺 @ABCNetwork
📻 97.1 FM and 99.1 FM pic.twitter.com/1r0EBdDnTR— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) Might 11, 2024
The Thunder are 26-17 away for the season, whereas the Mavericks are 27-17 total at residence. After all, the purpose whole has gone over in Dallas’ final 5 residence video games versus OKC.
NBA sportsbooks present the Mavs as 2.5-point favorites forward of Recreation 3. Per ESPN’s Basketball Energy Index, Dallas holds a 54.2% probability of defeating the Thunder on the American Airways Middle.
The successful group of this collection will advance to the Western Convention Finals and face off in opposition to both the Denver Nuggets or the Minnesota Timberwolves.
