Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic has been downgraded to questionable for Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night. The NBA injury report released at 1:30 p.m. ET reveals that Doncic is dealing with a thoracic contusion on top of the right knee sprain and left ankle soreness that have been bothering him throughout the playoffs. The exact moment when Doncic suffered the new injury during Game 1 was not disclosed.
During a practice session on Saturday, Doncic was visibly in discomfort, tending to his rib area and chest at times. Despite being listed as probable in the injury report until Sunday afternoon, he has now been downgraded to questionable. Doncic was present at the shootaround on Sunday morning but did not take part in the portion that was open to media. This was a departure from his usual routine of taking half-court shots and practicing free throws.
Although Doncic has not missed any of Dallas’ playoff games, he has been on the injury report several times with various ailments. In Game 1 against Boston, he scored 30 points but the Mavericks fell 107-89. Doncic’s performance made him the first player since Tim Duncan in 1999 to record a double-double with 30 or more points in his first NBA Finals game. In the postseason so far, Doncic has been averaging 28.8 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game.
Game 2 is set to take place at Boston’s TD Garden at 8 p.m. ET, and will be broadcast on ABC. Doncic’s availability for the game remains uncertain as the Mavericks face a tough challenge against the Celtics.