Is Luka Doncic playing tonight against the Portland Trail Blazers? Latest on All-Star guard's status (Jan. 5)

Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks face the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday. While there are multiple names on the injury report, both All-Stars will be in action.

While he missed a game last week, Luka Doncic is ruled out for the Mavericks after his 41-point, five-assist barrage against the Blazers earlier this week.

Some of the names on the injury for Dallas include Dereck Lively (ankle), Grant Williams (ankle) and Dante Exum (heel). Kyrie Irving will also be in action after missing a few weeks due to a knee injury. The All-Star guard was injured in December after teammate Dwight Powell fell on him.

When these teams faced off earlier this week, it ws a blowout win for the Mavericks. Portland is going to be shorthanded for this matchup, as center Deandre Ayton is listed as out.

The Mavericks are amid a tight Western Conference. Their 20-15 record is good for seventh place, but they are only two games behind the fourth-place LA Clippers.

Led by their duo of Doncic and Irving once again, Dallas should be able to take care of business against the rebuilding Blazers.

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How many games has Luka Doncic missed this season?

When it comes to durable stars this season, Luka Doncic should be at the top of the list. Aside from a few occasions, the All-Star guard has been in the lineup almost every night for the Dallas Mavericks.

As we near the halfway point of the regular season, Luka Doncic has only missed three games. The first absence was on Dec. 1 against the Memphis Grizzlies. The other two came in the last two weeks against the Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves respectively.

Like previous years, the Mavericks have struggled to stay competitive without Doncic, going 0-3. Being one of the more durable stars in the league could benefit Doncic in a few months when it comes time to pick award winners.

Due to the new rules implemented this season, players have to play in at least 65 games to be considered for certain accolades like the MVP and All-NBA honors.

As far as MVP goes, Doncic has played his way into the conversation. While his team's record isn't flashy, he has been one of the top overall performers this season.

Doncic is averaging 33.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 9.3 assists. Only Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid has a higher scoring average. Doncic finds himself with a prime opportunity to add to his MVP-level numbers on Friday against the Blazers.