MALAGA, Spain — All-NBA guard Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks is off Slovenia’s energetic roster for Saturday’s exhibition recreation in opposition to the U.S. for what his crew referred to as precautionary causes.
It was the second recreation in a back-to-back for Slovenia, which misplaced 99-79 to Spain in an exhibition on Friday through which Doncic had 17 factors. He had two triple-doubles in his first three appearances with the nationwide crew this summer season whereas tuning up for the World Cup that begins later this month.
Doncic left Friday’s recreation within the second quarter after taking what the crew referred to as an “unfavorable blow,” although he returned within the second half after a quick damage scare.
In an announcement, Slovenia mentioned it does “not need to depart something to likelihood” earlier than touring to Japan to proceed World Cup preparations.
Slovenia, ranked No. 7 on this planet by FIBA, is looking for its first World Cup medal after ending fourth on the Tokyo Olympics two years in the past.
Slovenia performs its ultimate tuneup in opposition to Japan on Aug. 19. It opens World Cup play in opposition to Venezuela on Aug. 26 in Okinawa, Japan. Video games observe in opposition to Georgia (Aug. 28) and in opposition to Cape Verde (Aug. 30).
Doncic averaged 32.4 factors, 8.6 rebounds and eight assists per recreation final season for the Mavericks. He is considered one of two All-NBA gamers from final season scheduled to play within the World Cup; Canada’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Oklahoma Metropolis is the opposite.
