The Dallas Mavericks will enter Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals leading the Minnesota Timberwolves 3-0. Dallas is in a comfortable position, but they would like to avoid a potential Game 5 back in Minnesota. Clinching a series sweep on Tuesday is a possibility, but the team is dealing with injury concerns.
Center Dereck Lively II has already been ruled out. He endured an injury scare on Sunday in Game 3 and Lively was later diagnosed with a neck sprain. Maxi Kleber, however, is trending in a positive direction and may return for Game 4.
Luka Doncic was listed as questionable for Game 3 but ultimately played in the Mavs' 116-107 victory. Doncic endured a fairly inconsistent Western Conference Semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but he has been terrific against the Timberwolves so far.
The idea of potentially resting Luka for Game 4 has been swirling around the NBA world. The thought process behind the idea is that Dallas already has a comfortable lead and Doncic could use extra rest as he battles a right knee sprain and left ankle soreness.
The odds of the Mavericks not playing Doncic for rest-related reasons are slim, though. Again, the Mavericks would love to finish a series sweep on Tuesday. Additionally, winning Game 4 would give Doncic and the Mavericks plenty of rest before the NBA Finals.
With all of that being said, is Luka Doncic playing tonight in Game 4 vs. the Timberwolves?
*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (click for a free trial)*
Luka Doncic's injury status for Timberwolves-Mavericks Game 4
Luka was initially listed as questionable once again for Game 4, per the NBA injury report. Doncic has yet to miss a game in the NBA playoffs. And sure enough, he was upgraded to available prior to tip-off.
Overall, Doncic, who finished third in NBA MVP voting for the 2023-24 regular season, is averaging 28.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 9.0 assists across 15 games in the postseason up to this point. He has found his rhythm offensively in the Western Conference Finals, averaging 32.7 points per outing to go along with 7.7 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game.
Doncic and Kyrie Irving's ability to close games has been crucial against Minnesota. Each game has been competitive and exciting throughout, but the Mavs have been able to earn victories in the final seconds of contests.
The Mavs will obviously have an increased chance of winning with Doncic on the floor in Game 4. But Dallas needs to be prepared for an aggressive Timberwolves attack on Tuesday night. Minnesota has to win Game 4 or their season will come to an end. They are going to give everything they have in such a pivotal affair.
so for the question of if Luka Doncic is playing tonight in Game 4 vs. the Timberwolves, the answer is YES.
Follow Us
Subscribe