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[Jolly Sports News] There’s a faint glimmer of hope on the horizon for the Dallas Mavericks amid the challenges of their rollercoaster season.
On Wednesday’s episode of *NBA Today*, ESPN’s Shams Charania provided an update on the status of Luka Doncic, revealing that the Mavs’ star guard is targeting a return before the NBA All-Star break in mid-February.
Doncic, a five-time All-Star, has been sidelined since Christmas Day with a severe left calf strain. Prior to the injury, he was averaging an impressive 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game. The one-month re-evaluation mark for his injury is approaching, sparking optimism for his eventual comeback.
Doncic’s return couldn’t come at a better time for the Mavericks. Since losing him, the team has struggled, going 4-10 in his absence. The situation has been further complicated by Kyrie Irving’s recent injuries and the news that rookie center Dereck Lively II will miss two to three months with a small fracture in his right foot.
Dallas, now 23-21, has slipped out of the Western Conference’s top six and is teetering on the edge of falling out of the play-in zone entirely. While the team may need to navigate another 10 games or so without Doncic, his anticipated return offers a much-needed light at the end of the tunnel. For the Mavericks, getting their cornerstone player back could be the key to reviving their season.
