Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks need to win on Friday night in Game 4 of the NBA Finals to avoid elimination. Doncic, though, is dealing with a thoracic contusion.
Luka has played in every game this postseason despite battling various injuries. One has to imagine that the Mavs star will play in Game 4 barring an immense setback.
Doncic fouled out in Game 3 with over four minutes remaining in the contest. Dallas was ultimately defeated and now trail the Boston Celtics 3-0 in the series.
Luka will likely have extra motivation for Game 4 following his frustrating Game 3 performance. Stars like Doncic tend to bounce back in big moments. Of course, the Celtics continue to play at a high level so Luka will need help from his teammates.
Kyrie Irving played well in Game 3, but the rest of the Mavericks roster must step up in Game 4 in order to upset the Celtics. Boston is not going to take their foot off the gas despite the circumstances. The Celtics understand the importance of closing out the series as soon as possible. Things may get interesting if the Mavs steal a victory on Friday evening.
So is Luka Doncic playing in Game 4 tonight vs. the Celtics?
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Luka Doncic's injury status for Game 4 vs. Celtics
Doncic was listed as probable on the NBA injury report with a thoracic contusion, but has been made available.
Luka received criticism for his Game 3 effort. Doncic is one of the best players in the entire NBA which means he is held to a higher standard. Many analysts said he complained too much and questioned his defense.
Doncic has worked hard to improve on the defensive end of the floor. He attributed the complaining to simply being a competitive player who wants to win. He made it clear that he was not the biggest fan of the officiating in Game 3.
“We couldn’t play physical… I don’t want to say nothing,” Doncic said after Game 3. “Six fouls in the NBA Finals. C’mon man. Be better than that… We had a good chance. We were close. Just didn't get it. I wish I was down there.”
Dallas will need Luka Doncic to stay on the floor for the entire game on Friday. Dallas will likely make the necessary adjustments to help the superstar avoid foul trouble. In the end, though, Doncic's effort will determine whether or not he gets in foul trouble.
As for the game itself, Irving and Doncic will be ready to score at a high level. If a player such as PJ Washington or Derrick Jones Jr. can contribute at a respectable level in the scoring department as well, the Mavericks will have an opportunity to force a Game 5.
Regardless of the outcome, Friday's affair projects to be competitive throughout. As for the question of if Luka Doncic is playing tonight in Game 4, the answer is yes.
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