Fantasy Basketball Week 10 Injury Report: How much longer will Luka Dončić sit?
Fantasy Basketball Week 10 Injury Report: How much longer will Luka Dončić sit?
The post-Christmas slate of the NBA season has arrived, but for fantasy managers heavily invested in Luka Dončić, the holiday cheer has been replaced by anxiety. The Dallas Mavericks superstar missed the team’s marquee Christmas Day matchup, leaving a massive void in lineups across the fantasy landscape. As we pivot into the heart of Week 10, the lingering question remains: when will the perennial MVP candidate return to the hardwood?
Dončić is currently dealing with a nagging left leg contusion, an injury sustained earlier in the week that has proven more stubborn than initially anticipated. While the Mavericks have officially listed him as questionable for the upcoming weekend back-to-back set, sources close to the team suggest the organization is exercising extreme caution. With the Western Conference standings tighter than ever, Dallas cannot afford to rush their franchise cornerstone back only to risk a long-term aggravation. For fantasy purposes, this uncertainty is a nightmare, forcing managers to make difficult daily roster decisions.
In his absence, Kyrie Irving has naturally taken the reins of the offense. Irving’s usage rate skyrockets whenever Dončić sits, making him an elite DFS play and a savior for season-long managers lucky enough to roster him. However, the secondary effects are where the waiver wire value lies. P.J. Washington and Jaden Hardy have seen increased offensive responsibilities. Hardy, in particular, has flashed scoring upside in extended minutes, making him a viable stream for managers needing points and three-pointers to salvage their Week 10 matchups.
For those holding Dončić, the strategy is patience. Do not panic trade him for cents on the dollar. If you are in a weekly lock league, benching him for a safer option with three or four games might be the prudent play if his status remains murky by Friday afternoon. If you are in a daily league, keep him in your IR slot until the Mavericks release their official shootaround report. The hope is for a return by Sunday, but prepare for the possibility that Luka Dončić may not suit up again until Week 11 begins.
The post-Christmas slate of the NBA season has arrived, but for fantasy managers heavily invested in Luka Dončić, the holiday cheer has been replaced by anxiety. The Dallas Mavericks superstar missed the team’s marquee Christmas Day matchup, leaving a massive void in lineups across the fantasy landscape. As we pivot into the heart of Week 10, the lingering question remains: when will the perennial MVP candidate return to the hardwood?
Dončić is currently dealing with a nagging left leg contusion, an injury sustained earlier in the week that has proven more stubborn than initially anticipated. While the Mavericks have officially listed him as questionable for the upcoming weekend back-to-back set, sources close to the team suggest the organization is exercising extreme caution. With the Western Conference standings tighter than ever, Dallas cannot afford to rush their franchise cornerstone back only to risk a long-term aggravation. For fantasy purposes, this uncertainty is a nightmare, forcing managers to make difficult daily roster decisions.
In his absence, Kyrie Irving has naturally taken the reins of the offense. Irving’s usage rate skyrockets whenever Dončić sits, making him an elite DFS play and a savior for season-long managers lucky enough to roster him. However, the secondary effects are where the waiver wire value lies. P.J. Washington and Jaden Hardy have seen increased offensive responsibilities. Hardy, in particular, has flashed scoring upside in extended minutes, making him a viable stream for managers needing points and three-pointers to salvage their Week 10 matchups.
For those holding Dončić, the strategy is patience. Do not panic trade him for cents on the dollar. If you are in a weekly lock league, benching him for a safer option with three or four games might be the prudent play if his status remains murky by Friday afternoon. If you are in a daily league, keep him in your IR slot until the Mavericks release their official shootaround report. The hope is for a return by Sunday, but prepare for the possibility that Luka Dončić may not suit up again until Week 11 begins.
