The Dallas Mavericks have listed Luka Doncic as questionable for the game against the San Antonio Spurs, but Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle is leaning to play the highly regarded rookie.

Luka Doncic, the third overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft, has been dealing with a sore left back and was a doubt ahead of the Mavs' match-up with Texas rivals Spurs. However, Carlisle said he expects the 19-year-old to take the court.

The 59-year-old coach added that they are monitoring the Slovenian's condition ahead of the game.

Article Continues Below
More Dallas Mavericks News
Tyrese Haliburton, Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Exclusive: The surprise superstar AAU ballers picked as NBA’s Face of the LeagueChris Dodson ·
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd and New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks at the American Airlines Center.
NBA rumors: Why Tim MacMahon ‘won’t dismiss’ Jason Kidd leaving Mavericks for KnicksJason Patt ·
Charlotte Hornets guard Dennis Smith Jr. (8) looks to pass as he is defended by Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Green (8) during the first half at the Spectrum Center.
Dallas Mavericks’ 10 worst NBA Draft day mistakes in historySpencer See ·
Mavericks Jason Kidd on left. New York Knicks 2025 logo on right. Question marks all over image.
How Mavericks, Knicks could discuss Jason Kidd trade after Tom Thibodeau firingJoey Mistretta ·
image thumbnail
NBA rumors: Lakers’ Austin Reaves trade strategy as 2 center targets emergeErik Slater ·
NBA commissioner is Adam Silver presents Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (not pictured) with the Michael Jordan Trophy for winning the most valuable player award for the 2024-25 season before game two of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Adam Silver sets record straight on Mavericks landing No. 1 pickBenedetto Vitale ·

It remains to be seen if Luka Doncic will start in the game or come off the bench. Nonetheless, it's likely that he will see limited minutes in order to avoid further injury. Wesley Matthews, Dorian Finney-Smith and Dwight Powell could see more playing time considering the situation.

Luka Doncic has been impressive for Dallas so far. He started in the Mavs' first six games of the season, averaging 18.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. He has three 20-plus points games already this year, including a near double-double performance (21 points and nine boards) in their loss to the Atlanta Hawks last week.

He scored 22 points and tallied four assists and five boards last Friday against the Toronto Raptors.