Mavs to face West’s best without star rookie. How long will Doncic be out?

Rookie forward Luka Doncic won’t be available Sunday night as the Dallas Mavericks faced the Western Conference-leading Los Angeles Clippers, but coach Rick Carlisle said that he doesn’t believe Doncic’s strained right hip is a serious injury.

Doncic was injured Friday night against the Los Angeles Lakers, against whom he scored only six points in a 114-103 loss. Doncic played 31 minutes but shot only 2-for-13 from the floor.

Reserve big man Maxi Kleber (knee) is also out.

“I don’t’ think either is serious, but they’re not ready for tonight,” Carlisle said.

Doncic, the third overall pick who was acquired in a draft-day trade with the Atlanta Hawks, is averaging 18.5 points and 6.5 rebounds this season. The Mavs play again Tuesday against the Portland Trailblazers, and Carlisle didn’t know if Doncic would be available.

This story was originally published December 2, 2018 at 4:40 PM.