Luka Doncic's Dallas Mavs to Face Nuggets Without Key Star
DALLAS - The Denver Nuggets received unfortunate news on Tuesday. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon will miss multiple weeks due to a right calf strain. The Dallas Mavericks play the Denver Nuggets on Sunday following their rematch with the Phoenix Suns on Friday as part of their four-game road trip. How will Gordon's injury affect the Mavs?
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Since joining the Nuggets, Gordon helped push the Nikola Jokic-led team to an NBA championship in 2023. He's also done well in his matchups against the Mavericks, averaging 19 points on 63 percent shooting from the field.
As the Mavericks deal with their injuries to Dereck Lively II (shoulder sprain) and P.J. Washington Jr. (right knee sprain), playing one of the Western Conference playoff contenders without a pivotal piece will help even the odds.
Dallas is 5-5 in its previous 10 contests vs. Denver. The last time the two Western Conference franchises bumped heads, Kyrie Irving ended the game on a left-handed push shot buzzer-beater over Jokic for a 107-105 victory.
Regarding the Nuggets, every possession matters, meaning the Mavs can't afford to fall behind, as they did vs. the Pacers on Monday. The Nuggets and Mavs are 4-3, likely better than their current records.
Luka Doncic and Jokic tend to have nail-biting endings, as both superstars share a knack for coming through in tight spots. However, Denver's loss of Gordon to injury from the lineup will play a pivotal role in the Nuggets' defensive attack suffering.
