Luka Doncic getting painkilling injections during NBA Finals

Apr 26, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) brings the ball up court against the LA Clippers during the first quarter during game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

It is common knowledge that Luka Doncic is banged up right now, but it turns out that he is really having to power through.

Tim MacMahon of ESPN reported Tuesday that the Dallas Mavericks star Doncic received a painkilling injection before Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics on Sunday. The injection was to numb his chest area, where he is dealing with a thoracic contusion. Doncic is expected to get another shot before Game 3 on Wednesday as well, MacMahon adds.

Indeed, Doncic had sparked concern prior to Game 2 with a viral video of him in visible discomfort with his chest area. The 25-year-old star has also battled through a host of lower-body injuries during Dallas’ playoff run and is virtually having to be wrapped up like a mummy before games these days.

But Doncic’s health is far from the biggest problem right now for the Mavericks, who are now down 0-2 to the Celtics in the Finals. To his credit, Doncic is still averaging an efficient 31.0 points per game through the first two contests but has been let down by his supporting cast, especially backcourt co-star Kyrie Irving. Interestingly enough though, the Celtics are also now dealing with a big injury concern of their own ahead of Game 3.