Mar 10, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) and center Kristaps Porzingis (6) celebrate as San Antonio Spurs guard Derrick White (4) looks on during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Mavericks stars Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis have been ruled out for Saturday’s game against the host New Orleans Pelicans.
Doncic is dealing with an illness, however coach Rick Carlisle noted that it’s “non-COVID related.” Carlisle also told reporters that Doncic was sent back to the hotel to rest.
Doncic, 22, sat out Dallas’ 109-94 setback to the Indiana Pacers on Friday due to back stiffness. The two-time All-Star averages team-best totals in points (28.6) and assists (9.1) to go along with 8.3 rebounds.
Related: NBA MVP Race 2022-23 – Luka Doncic seen as early favorite
Porzingis, 25, erupted for 31 points and a season-high 18 rebounds while playing a team-high 38 minutes against the Pacers. He is sitting out Saturday’s game to tend to an ailing knee.
Porzingis averages 20.4 points and 8.9 rebounds this season.
–Field Level Media
Related: 50 Top NBA players of 2022 – Stephen Curry leads the charge after brilliant season