5 NBA injuries to know this week: How long will Luka Dončić and Marcus Smart be out?

Devin Booker, strained left groin

Star shooting guard Devin Booker, who’s averaging 27.1 points, is expected to return to the Suns’ starting lineup on Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets. He has been sidelined for five weeks with a strained left groin.

The Suns were 10-11 without Booker and fell to 5th place in the Western Conference. Booker was playing like an MVP before suffering his groin injury. So his return should help the Suns regain their place in the standings.

Luka Dončić, right heel contusion

The Dallas Mavericks’ season has been filled with injuries. All-Star starter Luka Dončić left the team’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans after suffering a right heel contusion.

Dončić sustained the injury awkwardly falling while driving to the basket in the third quarter.

The Mavericks picked up their first win this season without Dončić when they beat the Utah Jazz on Monday. That moved the team’s record to 1-7 without Dončić this season.

Luka reportedly joins the team on Wednesday, but isn’t expected to play until later in the week.

Christian Wood, left thumb

Mavericks forward Christian Wood returned on Monday against the Jazz. This is the first time the big man has played since January 18th after suffering a left thumb fracture.

Wood shot 1-7 during the 18 minutes he played on Monday.

Marcus Smart, right ankle

The Boston Celtics, at 38-16, have the best record in the NBA. But the team is 3-4 without Marcus Smart this season. 

Smart suffered a right ankle injury two weeks ago against the Toronto Raptors. Smart went to get a handoff from Al Horford and twisted his ankle. He fell on the floor and screamed while holding the injured ankle.

Smart talked to the media about his ankle injury last Tuesday.

"It's alright. Around this time last year, when I injured it, I was still struggling, so I guess that's the good thing; it's not feeling as bad as it was, even though it's the same ankle. It's a long season. I don't have to rush, so we're just taking it day-by-day," expressed Smart, who also addressed when he might return.

Bradley Beal, left foot soreness

Wizards guard Bradley Beal has only played in 31 games this season. He’s battled various injuries throughout the season. Well over the weekend Beal reaggravated an injury causing soreness in his left foot.

He’s missed the Wizards’ last two contests, in which they’ve lost both. 

Beal is averaging 22.4 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.5 rebounds on 36.5% shooting from 3-point range.

He was listed as questionable on Monday and was warming up with the team. So his return should be nearing for the Wizards.

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