Following a disappointing loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, the Dallas Mavericks face another challenge as Luka Doncic will be sidelined with an ankle injury when they go up against Jalen Brunson and the surging New York Knicks on Thursday.

 

For those who witnessed the Mavericks’ disappointing performance against the Grizzlies, it’s disheartening to learn that the situation won’t improve for the team. As they prepare for a highly-anticipated clash with the red-hot New York Knicks, there’s a dampener on the excitement as former Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson returns to the American Airlines Center for the first time since joining the Knicks in free agency a year and a half ago.

 

According to the latest injury report from the Mavericks, superstar Luka Doncic will be absent from Thursday’s game due to an ankle sprain. Doncic had previously been listed as questionable with “ankle swelling” in the injury report for previous games, but it appears that the four-time All-NBA First Team member needs to take some rest to allow his ankle to recover.

 

In addition to Doncic, Dante Exum (plantar sprain) will also miss the game for the Mavericks. Dereck Lively II (ankle sprain) and Maxi Kleber (toe) are listed as doubtful, while Grant Williams (ankle sprain) is listed as questionable.

 

The Knicks arrive at the American Airlines Center on a five-game winning streak since acquiring 3-and-D wing O.G. Anunoby through a trade. It remains to be seen if the Mavericks, led by Kyrie Irving, can end the Knicks’ winning streak and overcome the challenge posed by a formidable New York squad while Doncic takes time to recover from his ankle injury.