Why is Luka Doncic not playing tonight against Phoenix Suns? Latest injury update for All-Star (Dec. 27)

Luka Doncic has suffered another injury setback. The Dallas Mavericks star will not play against the Phoenix Suns because of it. Doncic injured his left calf on Christmas Day against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The five-time NBA All-Star suffered the injury late in the first half after playing 17 minutes.

Doncic sustained the blow once he got to his spot near the free-throw line to shoot a step-back midrange jumper. Instead of completing the play, he passed the ball and clutched at his left leg in pain, immediately asking to be subbed out. Doncic had suffered a left heel contusion before the calf strain.

He left the arena with crutches and had an MRI scheduled for Thursday.

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Insider provides latest on Luka Doncic's return timeline

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Luka Doncic will take at least a month to return from his latest injury setback. Doncic could miss up to 15 games in that span, ruling him out of All-NBA and MVP contention as he won't meet the NBA's eligibility criteria for those awards, which is to play at least 65 games.

Doncic, who leads the Mavericks in points, rebounds, assists and steals per game, has missed eight games before, citing various ailments, including a calf, knee, groin, wrist, heel and foot injury. He dealt with a left calf contusion in training camp, which ruled him out of preseason. Doncic has suffered three left calf injuries since 2022.

The Mavericks are 6-2 in his absence this season. Luka Doncic's co-stars Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson and P.J. Washington will have the responsibility of keeping the ship afloat until the All-Star returns.

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How to watch Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns game?

KFAA and Arizona's Family 3TV / Arizona's Family Sports will cover the Dallas Mavericks-Phoenix Suns game. Interested viewers outside the local regions and U.S. can watch the contest live online via NBA League Pass. The game begins at 9:00 p.m. ET at the Footprint Center, the Suns' homecourt.

The Suns are up 2-0 in their previous two outings against the Mavericks. With Doncic out, Phoenix, with a homecourt advantage, remains in the front seat to win the season series.