Is Mavericks’ Luka Doncic playing vs. Clippers in Game 5? Latest injury update

Doncic is listed as probable due to the aforementioned right knee sprain, per the NBA injury report.

The fact that Doncic is probable is a good sign. Luka was questionable heading into Game 4. He ended up playing and recorded a 29-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double. However, Doncic converted on just one of his nine three-point attempts.

After the Mavericks lost Game 4 116-111, Luka said he felt like he let Kyrie Irving down. Kyrie and the Mavs expressed confidence in Doncic, though.

Luka Doncic is an MVP candidate. He is one of the best players in the NBA. The belief is that he will have a major impact moving forward in this series. This injury situation will be worth monitoring, however.

So far in the series, Doncic is averaging 29 points per game on 38.6 percent field goal and 26.5 percent three-point shooting, per StatMuse. He’s still finding ways to score despite the frustrations with his shot.

Luka’s defensive effort has been a subject of discussion as well. He performed especially well on defense early in the series. And of course, Doncic is helping out in other facets of the Mavericks’ attack. Luka is averaging 9.8 rebounds and 8.5 assists per outing.

It goes without saying, but Game 5 holds no shortage of importance. The Mavericks would love nothing more than to head back to Dallas for Game 6 with a 3-2 series lead. If the Clippers win on Wednesday, though, then Game 6 becomes a win-or-go-home for the Mavs.

It should be noted that Daniel Gafford was not listed on the injury report. Gafford dealt with injury trouble early in the series, but he is expected to be ready to go. James Harden consistently found success in the paint in Game 4, so Gafford and Dereck Lively II’s interior presences will be of the utmost importance in Game 5.

When it comes to the question of if Luka Doncic is playing in Game 5 vs. the Clippers, the answer is currently uncertain.