The NBA's slate of games on Thursday, Mar. 6 will feature a rematch of a night that feels like a fever dream. It was on Saturday, Feb. 1 that the Los Angeles Lakers traveled to Madison Square Garden and picked up what appeared to be their biggest win of the season.
It's hard to remember too much about that game, however, as it was mere hours later that the Lakers completed the generational trade of Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic.
Just over a month later, Los Angeles is firing on all cylinders with its new franchise player. Despite missing nearly two months with a calf injury, Doncic has returned to the floor and looked the part of the superstar he is, albeit with an inevitable need for rest along the way.
That's inevitably beckoned the question of whether or not Doncic will play against the Knicks, as his name appeared on the Lakers' injury report.
Doncic was listed as probable due to a right knee contusion for Los Angeles' upcoming encounter with New York. There's also the inevitable concern over his return from the calf injury that derailed his final months with the Mavericks.
Thankfully, with a listing of probable on the injury report, Lakers fans can comfortably assume that Doncic will be available for this blockbuster encounter.
Luka Doncic listed as probable for Lakers vs. Knicks on Mar. 6
Doncic has appeared in nine of the Lakers' 13 games since they acquired him. After struggling—by his standards—early on, he's managed to make a nearly full return to the form that earned him five All-NBA First Team selections in six completed seasons.
Doncic is averaging 27.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 2.2 steals per game over his past six appearances, and has taken his performances to a new level over the Lakers' past two outings.
That began when he posted 29 points, nine assists, six rebounds, and two steals on 9-of-17 shooting during a 108-102 win over the LA Clippers on Mar. 2. It continued on Mar. 4 when he went off to the tune of 30 points, 15 assists, eight rebounds, one block, and a steal during a 136-115 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Doncic will look to build upon that momentum against his former teammate, Jalen Brunson, and a 40-21 Knicks team.
Brunson and Doncic were teammates between 2018-19 and 2021-22. Dallas selected both at the 2018 NBA Draft, with their respective development coinciding with the franchise's return to prominence, primarily during their last season together.
In 2021-22, Brunson and Doncic led the Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals, averaging a combined 53.3 points per game during the playoffs.
Since they went their separate ways, Brunson has revitalized the Knicks and Doncic further etched his name into history as a modern great. Brunson helped New York win its first playoff series in 10 years, while Doncic led Dallas to its first NBA Finals appearance in 13.
On March 6, Brunson and Doncic will meet for the first time as former Mavericks. Check back here for any updates to the contrary.