Luka Doncic-Less Mavericks Play Nuggets in NBA Cup Battle

The Dallas Mavericks play the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.

Author:
Lance Roberson
Nov 22, 2024 11:32 AM EST

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Following the news that Luka Doncic will miss at least one week due to a right wrist injury, Dallas Mavericks fans thought of Friday's match vs. the Denver Nuggets. Dallas faces a Denver team that's 2-2 in its last four games, as Nikola Jokic didn't play the previous three contests for personal reasons. Friday night at the Ball Center is part of the NBA Cup group play, making for an intriguing matchup.

Nov 10, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) prepares to shoot the ball in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Doncic suffered a wrist injury during the Mavericks' 132-91 thrashing of the New Orleans Pelicans, immediately putting the team in a bind after missing a game due to a knee contusion. Nonetheless, the game carries on regardless of Doncic's health. Regarding health, as in seasons past, the Nuggets have injuries to their core.

Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, their best defender, is out due to a calf strain. Despite Gordon's six-game absence, such a void didn't ruin Denver's standings in the amazingly challenging Western Conference. Unlike the Mavericks, who have multiple injuries, the Nuggets finish the job regardless of their core players missing from the rotation.

Denver is 8-5 amid the multiple injuries to its core.

As a championship-caliber franchiser, the Nuggets overcome adversity. Dallas must channel its gutsy performance vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder to beat a mission-prepped Nuggets unit as it battles without the 2024 Western Conference Finals MVP.