Is Luka Doncic playing tonight against the Utah Jazz? | February 6th, 2023 | 2022-23 NBA Season

After missing the Dallas Mavericks' last game against the Golden State Warriors, Luka Doncic continues to be sidelined. Per the latest injury report, the All-Star point guard is listed as out for the team's upcoming matchup against the Utah Jazz.

Luka Doncic was injured last week during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans. After his shot attempt at the rim was blocked, he lost his balance and his the ground awkwardly. Since then, he's been out due to a right heel contusion.

So far this season, Luka has been one of the top players in the NBA. His averages of 33.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 8.2 assists have him in the mix of MVP favorites. The Mavericks currently sit in sixth place in the Western Conference with a record of 28-26.

Since he is the focal point of the offense, being without Luka is a major blow for Dallas. To make matters worse, they haven't fared well when he is not in the lineup. In the seven games Luka has been sidelined this year, the Mavericks have a record of 0-7. Three of those losses have been by double-digits, including a 29-point blowout loss to the Chicago Bulls.

The Dallas Mavericks got Luka Doncic some help

Part of why the Dallas Mavericks struggle without Luka Doncic is because he is the only star on the team. However, that is no longer the case.

On Sunday afternoon, the Mavericks shocked the NBA after they pulled off a blockbuster move to acquire Kyrie Irving. The All-Star guard informed the Brooklyn Nets he wanted a trade on Friday, and now is on his way to the Western Conference.

With Kyrie Irving getting ready to enter the fold now, some responsibility can be taken off Luka's plate. Not having to do everything offensively on a nightly basis should pay huge dividends come playoff time.

Along with lightening his load, Luka Doncic now has the luxury to recover properly. Once Irving is with the team, they'll have another star who can lead the charge on any given night. This should allow the MVP frontrunner to take the time needed to fully heal his body.

Since he is currently injured, there is no telling when the Dallas Mavericks will get to debut their new star duo. That being said, the move has already turned many heads around the league. Many have begged Dallas to get Luka a proper running mate, and now he has one.