Bucks vs. Mavericks Thursday NBA injury report, odds: Dallas star Luka Doncic could miss several more games as he enters COVID protocols

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic's season took another frustrating turn on Wednesday when the All-NBA player and preseason league MVP favorite was placed in league COVID protocols.

Doncic had missed the last five games with what the team said was a sore ankle, but he was set to return for Thursday's home game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Now, the 22-year-old is in real danger of missing the team's Christmas Day game at Utah (10:30 p.m. ET). Click here for NBA model picks. 

Doncic entered the season as the +300 favorite to win his first league MVP award, but he has fallen to fourth at +1300. The Slovenian star also was an MVP favorite at times last season but ended up finished sixth in voting. 

The latest NBA futures odds from Caesars Sportsbook list Golden State's Stephen Curry as the +125 MVP favorite, followed by Brooklyn's Kevin Durant (+250) and Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo  (+750).

The 2019 NBA Rookie of the Year, Doncic is averaging 25.6 points, 8.5 assists and eight rebounds per game, but the Mavericks sit at .500 (15-15) entering Thursday's game. 

The NBA playoff race is expected to be a tight affair, so the Mavs can't afford to lose much ground. They are the +100 second choice to win the Southwest Division behind the favored Grizzlies (-130) in the NBA future odds. They are +1700 to win the Western Conference, far behind the favored Warriors (+275) and five other teams.

Doncic's vaccinations status is unclear, and he could be in the league's protocols for up to 10 days. Players are required to show consecutive negative tests over a 24-hour period or quarantine for 10 days to be cleared to play.

Doncic was placed in COVID protocols along with guard Trey Burke on Wednesday, joining Mavs teammates Tim Hardaway, Maxi Kleber, Josh Green and Reggie Bullock on the sideline.  

Looking for the best picks against the spread, sharp plays on the total, and props you can take straight to the pay window? Join Jonathan Coachman on the Early Edge as he speaks with SportsLine's top handicappers to preview the day's biggest games. We promise to keep it short, sweet and to put some green in your pocket. Early Edge is in your feed every single day by 11 a.m. ET. Subscribe right here on YouTube to watch daily, plus don't miss the Early Edge specials and live shows!