NBA: Mavs star Luka Doncic to miss extended time — ESPN

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic is expected to miss an extended period of time after straining his calf, ESPN reported Wednesday night.

Doncic sustained the injury during a 105-99 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, heading to the locker room in the second quarter before missing the entire second half. He had 14 points, five rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes of action before his departure.

ESPN reported that Doncic needed crutches to exit the arena, and the 25-year-old will likely undergo an MRI on Thursday.

The Mavericks are back in action on Friday against the Phoenix Suns. They then complete a back-to-back by facing the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday before closing the calendar year with a Monday night battle against the Sacramento Kings.

In 22 games (all starts) this season, Doncic has averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 boards and 7.8 assists. He is shooting 46.4 percent from the field and 35.4 percent from long range.

Doncic has been plagued by injuries all season, missing two straight games last week and five consecutive in late November. He has been sidelined for eight games in all.

Dallas fell to 19-11 with the loss on Wednesday. — Field Level Media/Reuters