Dallas Mavericks NBA Championship Odds Fade to +2700 With Luka Doncic Given No Timetable to Return From Calf Strain

• The Dallas Mavericks could be in serious trouble after Luka Doncic’s latest injury
• They’ve seen their championship odds go from +2200 to +2700 as a result
• Are they still worth a bet to make a playoff run? Read on for the analysis

The Dallas Mavericks were one of the hottest teams in the Association in the second half, ultimately finishing in fourth spot in the West with a 52-30 record. While they were expected to be a favorite in the first round against the Utah Jazz, things have drastically changed after Luka Doncic suffered a calf injury in the season finale on Sunday.

Due to the uncertainty of Luka’s availability for the postseason, the Mavs’ NBA championship odds have dipped from +2200 on Monday to +2700 on Tuesday.

2022 NBA Championship Odds

Odds as of April 12th at FanDuel.

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What Happens if Luka Doesn’t Play?

Out of every team in the playoffs, they’re likely isn’t a player who is this important to his team’s success. Doncic is an absolute superstar for the Mavs and the backbone of their offense. To be honest, Dallas was foolish to even let him play on Sunday and take the risk of him getting hurt. Game 1 is scheduled for Saturday, which means the Slovenian is in a race against time to be healthy.

There’s not a chance the Mavericks will be able to make up for his production, but several players must rise to the occasion if they’re left trying to scrape through the first round without him. Jalen Brunson has been Luka’s backcourt mate all year long and done a phenomenal job, averaging 16.3 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.9 rebounds. He’s a terrific scorer in the paint and typically elevates when Doncic is sidelined, erupting for 28 a few weeks ago as the primary ball-handler.

Jalen Brunson and Spencer Dinwiddie this season when Luka doesn’t play.

Brunson (17 games):
20.4 PPG (49.5 FG% 35.0 3PT%)
7.5 APG, 3.9 RPG

Dinwiddie (2 games):
31 PPG (54.3 FG% 46.2 3PT%)
6.5 APG, 3 RPG

— Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) April 12, 2022

Spencer Dinwiddie is another name that instantly comes to mind. He’s usually the mainstay of the second unit but he’ll see starting minutes alongside Brunson if Doncic doesn’t play. Although Dinwiddie is struggling to produce lately, he has added a spark to the Dallas lineup since arriving at the trade deadline in the Kristaps Porzingis blockbuster. As you can see above, both Brunson and Dinwiddie ball out when they need to pick up the slack offensively.

Are the Mavs Worth a Bet at +2700?

Honestly, this is a very good team when Doncic is leading the way. I do think they can make some noise in the West, but it’s hard to bet on them without the All-Star. However, it’s important to note the MRI came back negative and he’s essentially just dealing with a calf strain.

Mavs announce Luka Doncic has started treatment for his left calf strain and there is no timetable for his return pic.twitter.com/V7xrv4g4Cv

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 12, 2022

That being said, it is concerning that Dallas has set no timetable for his return but we have to remember that Luka is an absolute beast in the playoffs as well, averaging 33.5 points in 25 games, which is even higher than Michael Jordan.

His usage rate is over 39% on the big stage, too. Doncic is as tough as they come and he essentially has six days to rest and get his calf right. I think the Mavs are still worth a bet. At +2700, you got nothing to lose. He might miss a game or two of this first series, but I believe Luka will be back.