Luka Doncic remains out, Kyrie Irving is missing from Saturday’s game against the Clippers due to an injury report

According to the Mavericks’ latest injury report, Luka Doncic remains out and Kyrie Irving is available to play on Saturday.

Doncic missed Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers due to a left heel injury and will also miss Saturday’s game. Doncic has not practiced since his injury Sunday against the Golden State Warriors.

Irving missed Friday’s game with shoulder soreness and is not listed at all on the injury report. Unless something unexpected happens, he will be back on Saturday. The only other players on the report other than Doncic are the usual ones – Dante Exum, Jaden Hardy and Brandon Williams, all of whom are listed as out.

This will be Doncic’s eighth missed game this season after suffering a wrist injury in November that sidelined him for a week. Doncic was injured virtually the entire season – he started training camp with a calf injury that sidelined him for the entire preseason, then suffered a knee and groin injury about a month into the season.

He then suffered a wrist injury and the Mavericks suspended him for a week to get his body repaired. Doncic has looked spectacular since his return, highlighted by a 45-point triple-double on Sunday against the Warriors. Unfortunately, Doncic appears to have suffered another lower body injury, his fourth since training camp (calf, knee, groin and now heel).

Doncic may now be in danger of not qualifying for postseason awards. If he returns after Saturday, the maximum number of games Doncic can play this season is 74. Players must play at least 65 to be eligible for postseason honors such as MVP and All-NBA. Doncic has made five straight first-team All-NBA selections since his second year in the league, and with the Mavericks playing well, Doncic may also have another shot at the MVP award. Obviously the team will rightly prioritize Doncic’s health over ensuring he can win awards, but it will be unfortunate luck if Doncic ends up missing the 65-game limit.

After a long break due to the NBA Cup, the Mavericks’ schedule is picking up speed. Dallas plays four games next week, so hopefully Doncic’s absence won’t be extended past the weekend.