With Team World already down two superstars, Luka Doncic will try to tough it out on Sunday night.
The Los Angeles Lakers guard told reporters on Saturday that he plans to play a “little bit” during the new USA vs. World mini tournament despite being at less than 100 per cent due to a hamstring strain. He’s missed four consecutive regular-season games due to the lingering injury.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Friday that after Doncic underwent a strong pre-game workout on Thursday in L.A., before the Lakers’ final game ahead of the all-star break, the Slovenian star was on track to play for a “short stint.”
Doncic — the leading fan-vote getter this season — will start for Team World’s first game, but will be on a minutes restriction and won’t play beyond that, according to the Athletic’s Dan Woike on Saturday.
With the new mini tournament format, Team World is scheduled to play two round-robin games and potentially a third should it advance to the final. The international contingenent are already without former league MVPs Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who are both unable to participate due to injuries.
As for Doncic, the six-time all-star is currently the NBA’s leading scorer, averaging 32.8 points per game, with 7.8 rebounds, 8.6 assists and 1.5 steals through 42 appearances.
