Luka Doncic Out at Least 6 Games; Mavs Star's Ankle Injury Diagnosed as Sprain

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic has been diagnosed with a sprained ankle that will sideline him through Feb. 8. 

Head coach Rick Carlisle said Doncic would miss at least the next six games with the injury:

"I believe he’s going to be OK by the time the All-Star weekend rolls around," Carlisle said, according to ESPN.com's Tim MacMahon. "It’s just my feeling that he’ll be able to participate at some level in those events."

The guard has been limited by ankle problems this season, missing four games because of a sprain in December. He then re-injured himself in practice Thursday, turning his ankle.

The injuries have been the only downside of this season for Doncic, who has emerged as one of the top young players in the NBA.

After winning Rookie of the Year last season, the Slovenian has improved his play, averaging 28.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game.

Doncic has helped turn the Mavericks from a team that lost 49 games a year ago into a legitimate contender in the Western Conference. At minimum, they're likely to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

Not only has his play been enough to earn a starting spot in the All-Star Game, but Doncic could also be a candidate for the MVP award.

This will make any absence a significant one for Dallas, although the team will try to move forward with Jalen Brunson to run the offense.