Doncic to return from Spain on Friday; status TBD

Luka Doncic's return to the Mavericks on Friday, even with an uncertain status, provides a significant boost to their playoff aspirations. The Mavericks currently sit 7th in the Western Conference, 1.5 games back of the 6th seed, and their offensive rating plummets by 5.2 points per 100 possessions without him. All eyes will be on his health and how quickly he can regain his elite form for the critical final stretch of the season.