OKLAHOMA CITY – Luka Dončić could be back in action Sunday evening when the Mavericks finish a five-game trip at Oklahoma City, as could Maxi Kleber and Tim Hardaway Jr.
All three were released from the NBA’s health and safety protocols on Saturday. They were not included on the Mavericks’ afternoon injury/health update.
It’s unclear whether they will play against the Thunder. When Josh Green and Reggie Bullock came out of the protocols, they were inactive for one game each before rejoining the team.
But if their conditioning is good, then it’s possible they all could suit up Sunday. Another factor that could enter the equation is that the Mavericks have back-to-back games upcoming. They return home to play Denver at American Airlines Center on Monday.
Dončić has been out for 10 consecutive games. The first five were after he aggravated his left ankle injury. The last five were after he entered the COVID-19 protocols. The Mavericks have gone 5-5 in those games. They were 0-4 earlier this season in games the superstar point guard missed.
The Mavericks are 2-2 so far on this trip that started Christmas night at Utah.
Dončić has averaged 25.6 points, 8.5 assists and 8 rebounds in the 21 games he has played (all starts) this season.
Kleber and Hardaway entered the safety protocols on Dec. 20 and 21, respectively. Like Dončić, they have served their 10 days in isolation.
The Mavericks still have a crowded infirmary. Trey Burke, Boban Marjanović, Brandon Knight, JaQuori McLaughlin and Isaiah Thomas remain in health and safety protocols. Willie Cauley-Stein is on a personal leave. Also, Frank Ntilikina, who missed Friday’s 112-96 win at Sacramento, is questionable for Sunday’s game against OKC.
Briefly: The Mavericks used Saturday as a travel day from Sacramento to Oklahoma City. They were greeted by temperatures in the teens and a wind-chill of 4, as of Saturday afternoon. Occasional blowing snow was whipping in the 25-mph wind . . . Reggie Bullock returned Friday after missing the previous six games and recorded a season-high-tying 16 points to go with five rebounds and three assists. The Mavericks now are 5-1 when he scores in double figures . . . Jalen Brunson has scored in double figures in a career-best 16 consecutive games . . . Oklahoma City will be without leading scorer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who entered safety protocols, the team announced Saturday.
Twitter: @ESefko
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