Why is Luka Doncic not playing against Nuggets tonight? Lakers superstar's absence from game explored (Mar. 14)

After a standout performance in Thursday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Luka Doncic is set to miss tonight's game between the LA Lakers and the Denver Nuggets.

According to the NBA's 3:30 p.m. ET injury report, Doncic is set to miss tonight's game due to what is described as: "Injury/Illness - Left Calf; Injury Management, Right Ankle Sprain."

The report was corroborated by ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel, who took to X, formerly known as Twitter:

Considering LA will also be without LeBron James, Jared Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes, the team seems to be playing it safe and resting Doncic tonight on the second night of a back-to-back.

Of course, in addition to the fact that the team has a number of players injured, and Luka Doncic is coming off the first night of a back-to-back, prior to being traded to the Lakers, Doncic had been sidelined since Christmas with a calf strain.

When factoring all of those elements into the equation, at this time, his absence from tonight's game seems more precautionary than anything especially when considering the fact that the team has another back-to-back scheduled for Sunday and Monday.

Looking at the LA Lakers full injury report for tonight's game against the Denver Nuggets with Luka Doncic sidelined

Heading into tonight's game between the LA Lakers and the Denver Nuggets, LA will be without a number of players.

Earlier in the week, it was reported that the team had sent LeBron James back to LA to get treatment on a groin injury. While his status has been upgraded to day-to-day, he is listed as out for tonight's game.

Additionally, Rui Hachimura has been listed as out with left patellar tendinopathy, along with Jaxson Hayes, who is out with a right knee contusion. Last, but certainly not lesat, Maxi Kleber is also out while recovering from right foot surgery, with no new updates on his status so far this week.

The group will likely be joined by Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) and Gabe Vincent (knee), who are both listed as doubtful for tonight's game.

With the team currently sitting in fourth place in the Western Conference, LA has built up a cushion of sorts, thanks to their recent surge since acquiring Luka Doncic.

Given that, 3.5 games separate the group from the seventh-place Timberwolves, and the play-in tournament with just over a month to go until the end of the regular season.