Report: Luka could return within 2 weeks after ankle sprain

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic could return within a couple of weeks after suffering a moderate right ankle sprain against the Miami Heat, league sources told ESPN's Tim MacMahon.

The Slovenian left Saturday's affair in the opening minutes and didn't return. X-rays on his ankle came back negative.

Doncic was injured just before a difficult part of the Mavs' schedule. The club will face arguably the East's top four teams - the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, and Philadelphia 76ers - over the next week.

"Luka Doncic will not travel to Milwaukee due to a right ankle sprain," head coach Rick Carlisle texted reporters, including MacMahon. "He will stay in Dallas with (trainer) Casey Smith and receive treatment. There will be no further updates until Wednesday night."

The 20-year-old had been off to an MVP-caliber start in just his second NBA campaign. He's averaging 29.3 points, 9.6 boards, and 8.9 assists through 25 appearances.

The third overall pick in last year's draft recently joined Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook as the only players to average a triple-double over a calendar month.

Doncic also leads the Association with eight triple-doubles this season.

The Mavs currently sit third in the Western Conference with a 17-8 record.

Reserve guards Jalen Brunson, J.J. Barea, and Delon Wright will likely receive more playing time in Doncic's absence.