MEMPHIS – The Dallas Mavericks’ dynamic backcourt duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are still trying to get
accustomed to playing with each other.
But they will have to wait at least another game for that to happen.
Doncic will miss Monday’s 7 p.m. game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum as he continues to recover from a left thigh strain. And Irving — along with Tim Hardaway Jr. — are listed as questionable for the game against the Grizzlies.
Hardaway has a non-Covid illness.
The Mavs are hopeful Doncic will be able to play in one or both of the two upcoming home games — Wednesday against Golden State and Friday against Charlotte.
“I think he’s doing everything rehab on the court and off, so hopefully soon (he’ll be able to play),” coach Jason Kidd said. “Again, day-to-day, but I think his last couple of days have been really, really good, so we’ll see how he does tomorrow.
“(He’ll) continue to keep working and hopefully, as you just brought up, he’s going to play in one of those (two) home games.”
Since the Mavs acquired Irving on Feb. 6 in a blockbuster trade with the Brooklyn Nets, Dallas is just 3-6 in the games that both Doncic and Irving have played in.
Doncic has missed the past four games after he aggravated a left thigh strain during a 113-106 loss on the road to the New Orleans Pelicans on March 8. Doncic scored 15 points and distributed eight assists in 28 minutes before exiting the game against the Pelicans with 2:29 remaining in the third quarter and the Mavs trailing, 78-63.
Meanwhile, Irving missed three straight games with right foot soreness before returning Friday and scoring 38 points in 39 minutes during the Mavs’ thrilling 111-110 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Irving, who had 27 points and six rebounds in that game against the Pelicans – the last time he and Doncic played together — is listed as questionable for the contest against the Grizzlies as he continues to deal with right foot soreness.
When asked about his right foot following the dramatic win over the Lakers, Irving said: “Obviously I can sit at home or be on the court and be like, ‘I wish my foot felt as great as it has all season.’ But it’s just not the reality.
“I’m just taking my reps out there on the floor and being efficient with the opportunities that I have. It’s not like this is the first time for me that I’ve ever played with an injury or anything like that. So just keep pushing and keep getting rehab and recovery, and do all that I can to put myself in the best position.”
From the Mavs’ perspective, the hope is that both Doncic and Irving can play against the Grizzlies so they (re-start) getting accustomed to playing with one another before the playoffs start next month.
*This is the finale of a three-game trip for the Mavs. After wins in San Antonio (137-128 in overtime) Wednesday and a victory over the Lakers on Friday, the Mavs are 2-0 on this trip.
*Memphis guard Ja Morant has been suspended by the NBA for eight games for “conduct detrimental to the league” after he allegedly displayed a firearm at a club in suburban Denver earlier this month. Morant is actually eligible to play Monday against the Mavs — the eight-game suspension has expired — but there officially is no timetable for his return.
*After Monday’s game, the Mavs return home to entertain the defending world champion Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.
*The Grizzlies lead the Southwest Division. The Mavs are in second place in the division – 7.5 games behind the Grizzlies.
*Mavs forward Markieff Morris will miss Monday’s game with left knee soreness.
*Memphis owns the NBA’s best home record at 29-5. The Grizzlies have won their last eight home games.
*The Mavs are 73-34 all-time against the Grizzlies, including a 34-19 record during games played in Memphis.
*On Saturday in Memphis, the Grizzlies used a 23-3 run in the fourth quarter en route to thumping the defending world champion Golden State Warriors, 133-119. In that game the Grizzlies collected 35 assists and turned the ball over just seven times.
*This will be the third meeting between the Mavs and Grizzlies over the past 10 days. Memphis won the two previous encounters – 112-108 in Memphis on March 11, and 104-88 in Dallas on March 13. Also, the Mavs blew out the Grizzlies in Dallas, 137-96, on Oct. 22.
*Grizzlies guard Tyus Jones posted a career-high tying 14 assists – with no turnovers — in the win over the Warriors. Jones joins Tyrese Haliburton and Chris Paul as the only players this season to pick up at least 14 assists in a game without turning the ball over.
DALLAS MAVERICKS (36-35) at MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (43-27)
Time: 7 p.m., Monday
Place: FedEx Forum, Memphis
TV: Bally Sports Southwest, NBA TV
Radio: 97.1 FM The Freak; 99.1 FM Zona MX (Spanish)
Twitter: @DwainPrice
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