Mavericks’ Luka Doncic gets Game 5 injury update, Tim Hardaway Jr. suffers setback

DALLAS — Luka Doncic has a sprained knee and is probable for Game 5. Doncic was questionable ahead of Game 4 but ultimately ended up playing. Tim Hardaway Jr., meanwhile, suffered a setback during the Dallas Mavericks scrimmage on Tuesday. He is questionable for Game 5 with an ankle injury.

Mavs head coach Jason Kidd confirmed that Doncic participated in all parts of practice.

“Everything,” Kidd responded when asked what Luka was able to do on Tuesday.

It is an unfortunate setback for Hardaway. The Mavs have struggled mightily from beyond the arc. Hardaway is inconsistent at times, but when he finds his rhythm he is one of the more dangerous threats from three-point range.

Dante Exum, who played well during the regular season but has not seen much action in the NBA playoffs, will play a big role in Game 5 according to Kidd.

“Yeah” Kidd said when asked if Exum will make an impact in the series moving forward. “We we’re hoping that Timmy was going to get back, we will see how he feels tomorrow. Looking at Exum, I think he’s going to have a big part in Game 5. Up to this point he hasn’t been up to his standards. We trust that he’s going to be really good in Game 5.”

This is an important note from Kidd. Again, the Mavs have been unable to find their groove from deep and amid another potential Hardaway absence, Exum could play a role in helping Dallas from beyond the three-point line.

As for Doncic, the Mavericks are hoping their superstar can get things going offensively. He’s still helping out in other facets of the game, but Dallas would benefit from a more efficient Luka Doncic from a scoring standpoint.

Mavericks’ Luka Doncic hoping to get back on track