Luka Doncic questionable to play in Game 6 vs. Clippers

Dallas Mavericks All-Star Luka Doncic is questionable to play in Game 6 vs. the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday due to an ankle injury. Dorian Finney-Smith (hip) is also being listed as questionable to play. Both were active for Game 5 on Tuesday, a blowout loss to make the series 3-2 in favor of L.A.

Doncic will be remembered for his heroics in Game 4 to make the series 2-2. He will not be remembered for his lackluster performance in Game 5, a 154-111 loss in a game that was basically over after the first quarter. Doncic finished with 22 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists on 6-of-17 shooting from the field in Game 5. Finney-Smith played 27 minutes in the loss, scoring 9 points with 6 boards and 4 assists.

With Kristaps Porzingis (knee) questionable for the game as well, we could see the Mavs without three starters. If that’s the case, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Seth Curry become the focal points of the offense, with Trey Burke running the show at PG. Maxi Kleber would be forced into a lot of playing time as well, plus Boban Marjanovic will have to play minutes at center. I wouldn’t say the Mavs will be a strong target on Thursday if all three players are out. The Clippers will look to put a bow on the series.

As for the betting angle, well, the Clippers are only 8.5 point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook. This line seems way too low for a team coming off that big a win, going up against an opponent on the brink of elimination with multiple star players injured. Los Angeles seems in a very good spot for a double-digit win on Thursday regardless of how the Mavericks lineup looks.

The only reason I’d pause at this is because of what happened in Game 4. Porzingis was ruled out and Doncic went nuts and the Mavs somehow won in OT. Still, it was an OT win on an insane buzzer beater from Doncic. The chances of that repeating I’d say are slim. It’s also worth keeping an eye on player props for guys like THJ, Curry and Burke, plus rebounding props for Kleber and Boban.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ NH). NJ/PA/WV/IN/NH/IA/CO/IL only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.