Mavericks Face Uphill Battle After Doncic, Reaves Injuries

Playoff seeding in question as Dallas stars deal with injuries before postseason

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange, conveying the disruption and uncertainty facing the Dallas Mavericks due to key player injuries.Injuries to the Mavericks' top players force the team to rethink its playoff strategy in the final stretch of the season.Austin Today

The Dallas Mavericks are facing an uncertain path to the playoffs after star players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves suffered injuries over the weekend. Doncic was diagnosed with a Grade 2 calf strain, while Reaves is dealing with an oblique injury, putting their availability for the start of the postseason in doubt.

Why it matters

The Mavericks were hoping to secure a high playoff seed to give themselves the best chance at a deep postseason run, but these injuries could significantly impact their positioning and chances of advancing. The team will now have to rely on its supporting cast to step up in the absence of its two top players.

The details

Doncic's calf strain is expected to sideline him for 2-4 weeks, while the timeline for Reaves' oblique injury is still unclear. This comes at a critical time for the Mavericks, who were jockeying for position in the Western Conference standings. The team will now have to navigate the final games of the regular season without its two leading scorers.

  • On Saturday, Luka Doncic was diagnosed with a Grade 2 calf strain.
  • The extent of Austin Reaves' oblique injury was revealed shortly after Doncic's diagnosis.

The players

Luka Doncic

The Dallas Mavericks' star player and one of the NBA's top talents, who was recently diagnosed with a significant calf strain.

Austin Reaves

A key role player for the Mavericks who is also dealing with an oblique injury, further depleting the team's roster.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Seeding is out the window.”

— Dave McMenamin, NBA Analyst

What’s next

The Mavericks will need to determine the timelines for Doncic and Reaves' recoveries and adjust their playoff strategy accordingly. The team's supporting cast will be tested as they try to secure a favorable postseason position without their two stars.

The takeaway

These injuries to Doncic and Reaves are a major blow to the Mavericks' championship aspirations, as they will now have to navigate the final stretch of the regular season and the playoffs without their two most important players. The team's depth and coaching will be put to the test as they try to overcome these setbacks.