Luka Doncic Heads to Spain for Hamstring Treatment, Aims for NBA Playoff Return

Luka Doncic has traveled to Spain to receive treatment for a hamstring injury he sustained last Thursday. He is hoping for a rapid recovery that would allow him to return for the NBA Playoffs and remain in contention for the MVP title. To be eligible for the prestigious individual award, which is highly contested among Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he needs to play at least one more game.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Doncic went to Spain to undergo regenerative therapy injections, such as stem cell treatments. These procedures are often more accessible and less restrictive in Europe compared to the United States. He has been given a recovery period of 4 to 6 weeks, a timeline that suggests he might only return if the Dallas Mavericks reach the Conference Semifinals. The 25-year-old star is reportedly determined to reduce this recovery time as much as possible to assist his team in the playoffs and bolster his MVP candidacy.

Seeking medical treatment abroad is not uncommon among NBA players and does not violate league rules. Players are free to choose their preferred medical decisions, provided the treatments do not involve banned substances. Doncic chose to receive care in Spain, a country where he previously played professionally for Real Madrid between 2015 and 2018.

Before his injury, Luka Doncic was delivering exceptional statistics, averaging 36.5 points on 49.3% shooting (39% from three-point range), along with 8.1 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 2.3 steals. He sustained the hamstring injury on Thursday, April 2nd, during the fourth quarter of a 139-96 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. This defeat brought an end to the team's impressive run of 12 victories in 13 games. Without Doncic, the Dallas Mavericks subsequently lost 134-128. While four regular-season games remain, including the final one this Sunday, the Mavericks have already secured their place in the playoffs.